What is coronary calcium scanning?

Coronary calcium scanning is a medical imaging tool used to assess the patient's risk for a heart attack in the next 10 years. Scan provides images of arteries that lead to heart. By measuring calcium deposits visible in scan, the physician determines the level of the patient's risk. Patients considered a mild risk have an increased chance of a heart attack by 10 to 20 percent over the next decade.

Scan results are not convincing, but are incorporated into other factors, such as a family history, in determining the risk of the patient on a heart attack. Non -smokers with low blood pressure who are under 55 years of age do not need routine calcium scanning, according to American Heart Association. On the other hand, smokers over 65 years of age with high blood pressure usually do not need coronary calcium scanning due to the already obvious risk factors for a heart attack. Those in the category of mild risks, based on family history, blood pressure and other factors, are primary scan candidates; Patients with a strong family history of heart diseaseHowever, there are candidates for scanning, regardless of other factors. Because of this risk, doctors usually order scanning only for patients who are no longer diagnosed with heart disease. Patients who have survived a heart attack also do not need scanning because their risk is obvious. In addition, pregnant women should not receive scanning.

Scanning

Completion takes approximately 10 minutes. The patient wears a hospital dress and is placed on a test table. The scanning machine moves around the patient's body and shows the position of the heart in the chest. In addition, it describes the arteries in detail, including blocking caused by calcium. Taken scanned images and results are recorded.

There is no need for any preparations before coronary calcium scanning. All drugs should be used as usual if the doctor has given the patient differently. If the outpatient device is busy, the waiting time may be before scanAnd the patient may want to bring the reading material on the day of scanning.

Results

are usually available within two days. Patients found to have calcium in their arteries are referred to the cardiologist for monitoring and monitoring. Possible treatment includes weight loss, medication and exercise program. The patient's doctor will work with a cardiologist to determine the next step in treatment.

patients should consult with their doctors to see if they need coronary calcium scanning. The test is performed in outpatient settings in the hospital or running. Some health insurance covers the scan costs.