Exam Services

Radiology Affiliates Imaging offers a variety of diagnostic imaging services and procedures. Please select a procedure listed below to learn more about that study.

Calcium Scoring

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Cardiac CT For Calcium Scoring

58 million Americans have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease, making coronary artery disease the number one killer of men and women in the United States. More Americans die of heart disease than all types of cancer combined.

Coronary artery disease is most commonly produced by atherosclerosis (plaque deposits in the wall of the coronary arteries causing a narrowing of the arteries). Until recently there were no non-invasive studies that could directly evaluate the coronary arteries for the presence of atherosclerotic disease.

Recent advances in multi-detector CT technology now provide detailed three-dimensional images of the beating heart within the timeframe of a single breath-hold. One of the most promising applications for these new tools is the realm of coronary imaging. At Radiology Affiliates Imaging, we offer two exams to study the coronary arteries, Calcium Scoring and Coronary CT Angiography (CCTA).

For more information on this and other radiology procedures, please visit: www.radiologyinfo.com

What Is Calcium Scoring?

This CT exam is used as a screening tool in the evaluation of coronary artery disease. The Calcium Scoring exam quantifies the total load of calcified (hardened) plaque in the coronary arteries based upon the volume and density of calcified plaque. It then compares that score to a large reference population matched to the patient's age and sex. This exam can be used as a valuable tool in conjunction with other clinical risk factors such as family history, cholesterol level, lipid profile, etc. to help the clinician determine how best to manage patients with coronary artery disease.

Who Needs A Calcium Scoring Exam?

Individuals considered to be at high risk for developing heart disease should consider this exam. The factors for heart disease include:

Age – men 40 or older, women 45 or older
High cholesterol
History of smoking
High blood pressure
Family history of heart disease
High stress levels
Sedentary lifestyle
Diabetes

If one or more of these factors apply to you, we encourage you to talk with your doctor about considering this exam. Patients who have had previous cardiovascular treatment or surgery, including coronary stenting, coronary bypass surgery, pacemaker placement, or valve replacement are not candidates for this screening process.

What Should I Expect?

The scan itself takes about ten to fifteen minutes. It does not involve any injections or medications. EKG leads will be placed on your chest. While the scan is being performed you will hold your breath for a brief period in order to have still pictures.

The charge for the test is currently $125 and payment is expected on the day of the exam. Calcium Scoring is considered a screening test and most insurance companies do not reimburse for its cost.

What Do The Test Results Mean?

Once your scan is completed, your images will be intrepreted by the radiologist for review. Your physician will receive a detailed report, including your cardiac score. With this information, your doctor can recommend the appropriate treatment. This may include diet and lifestyle changes, medication, and/or further testing.

There are multiple causes of cardiovascular disease. Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, reflected on the scan as coronary artery calcification is the most common form of cardiovascular disease.

Screening CT exams of the heart are not intended to replace your usual routine doctor's evaluations, but are provided to give you and your doctor additional information on which to determine lifestyle changes and treatment options.

How Do I Make An Appointment?

If you would like to make an appointment, please call (609) 585-8800 and select option 5. Or you can request an appointment on line.