Guiding heart care with a quick and painless CT screening
According to the American Heart Association, about 2 in 10 deaths from coronary artery disease (CAD) happen in adults less than 65 years old. As we age, plaque begins to build up inside our arteries. This build-up of plaque is called coronary artery disease. It is a slow, progressive condition that can go undetected for years. This build-up can limit or block the flow of blood to the heart, resulting in a heart attack. Fortunately, coronary artery disease, and the risk factors that lead to it, can be successfully treated when detected in early stages.
What is a HeartSmart CT scan?
The HeartSmart CT Scan is an early detection screening for people who are not having symptoms, but who are at moderate risk for developing coronary artery disease. A CT scanner is used to identify hard calcified plaque buildup inside the heart arteries. The amount of hardened plaque is assigned a score. Higher scores indicate a higher risk for experiencing a heart attack. The HeartSmart CT Scan can help your provider to better determine the level of risk and guide them in how to approach treatment.
You must meet these requirements before scheduling an appointment:
- You have never been diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or peripheral artery disease (PAD).
- You have never received a calcium score greater than zero.
- It has been at least five years since receiving a calcium score of zero.
- You are a man between the ages of 40 and 75 or a woman between the ages of 45 and 75.*
- You are not experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath. If you are are, call 911 immediately.
*If your age falls outside the recommended parameters, a physician’s referral will be required before scheduling an appointment.
If you answer yes to all of these requirements, you’re an appropriate candidate to schedule a HeartSmart CT Scan.
These scans may not be necessary or appropriate for some people. If you have a history of coronary artery or vascular disease, have had a prior abnormal HeartSmart CT scan, or fall within certain low- or high-risk age groups, you should discuss with your physician or cardiologist whether a HeartSmart CT Scan will help guide their care.
Note: The risks of a HeartSmart CT Scan should be considered and discussed prior to scheduling. These include: a low dose of radiation exposure from the CT scan, the potential of a “false positive” or “false negative” test and incidental findings that may lead to further evaluation.