Cardiac Calcium Scoring
According to the American Heart Association, more than 84 million people in the U.S. suffer from some form of cardiovascular disease. Heart disease can lead to heart attacks, strokes or other serious complications. One of the major contributors to heart disease is arteriosclerosis or the build-up of plaque in the arteries. If diagnosed, arteriosclerosis can be halted and, in some cases, reversed.
The coronary arteries are the vessels that supply oxygen containing blood to the heart. The plaque that may be found in these arteries is a buildup of fat, calcium and other substances that can either narrow or close the arteries. Some symptoms of plaque build-up in these arteries may be chest pain, arm tingle or back pain. Merit Health Natchez offers a cardiac calcium scoring test that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries that may contribute to plaque build-up. This test may help to identify arteriosclerosis in patients who have the early stages of heart disease and may not be exhibiting symptoms.
How Cardiac Calcium Scoring Is Performed
Cardiac calcium scoring is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart using a 64-slice CT scanner. Patients undergo a scan of the arteries surrounding the heart: no injections, stress tests or medication necessary.
The cardiac scoring test requires no preparation. This simple and painless test provides your physician with two key pieces of information: the presence or absence of coronary calcium in your heart and the degree of calcification in your heart.
Based on the findings and other risk factors, your physician may make recommendations concerning lifestyle changes, medication or the need for additional cardiac testing.
Who Can Benefit From Cardiac Calcium Scoring
Cardiac scoring is especially recommended for patients who are at risk for heart disease. If any of the following risk factors apply to you, ask your doctor about cardiac scoring at Merit Health Natchez.
- High cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- History of smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight
- Male between the ages of 35-70
- Female between the ages of 40-70
Financial Assistance for Cardiac Calcium Scoring at Merit Health Natchez
Cardiac scoring is generally not covered by insurance. Cardiac calcium scoring screenings are offered at a special price through MDSave. This price includes the imaging test and the fee for the physician to interpret the reading. You can purchase this special pricing here.
How Do I Schedule?
A physician's order is not required for this screening; however, you are encouraged to speak with your healthcare provider to see if you could benefit from this screening.
To schedule your screening, please call the centralized scheduling office at (601) 443-2230. You will be asked to provide your primary physician's name and information, as the test results will be sent to them. If you do not have a physician, you will be given the names of providers to choose from who have agreed to accept your results.