What is the significance of Coronary Artery Calcium?
Calcification is caused from the buildup of fat in the inner lining of an artery,
which forms plaque. As the plaque builds and hardens, it can reduce and block
the flow of blood through the artery. The plaque can rupture, become dislodged
or form a blood clot, leading to a heart attack.
Research shows
that coronary artery calcium is a significant indicator of the atherosclerotic
process. It is a predictor and measurement of the risk associated
with developing clinical symptoms. (Michael J. Davies, The Pathology
of Coronary Atherosclerosis, The Heart, 8th ed., 1994.)
Early detection
of coronary calcium allows for the early detection of coronary artery
disease. Then patients can make changes in their modifiable risk
factors and reduce the chance of heart attack.
Is Atherosclerosis treatable?
Yes, the atherosclerotic process can be slowed, stabilized and actually reversed
through aggressive lifestyle modifications and/or through medication therapies
under the guidance of a physician.
Is the Coronary Artery Scan an adequate substitute for an Angiogram?
No. A coronary artery scan is used for the early detection of coronary artery
disease, while an angiogram is used to measure the amount of narrowing in the
coronary arteries. Due to the invasiveness of traditional angiography, the
procedure is not used as a screening test for atherosclerosis.
Do women need Coronary Artery Scans?
Post-menopausal women
are at higher risk of coronary artery disease than pre- menopausal
women, but any woman fulfilling the age and risk factor criteria
can be scanned. Due to the decreased production of estrogen, the
predominant female hormone that helps raise HDL (good cholesterol)
levels, women are not as protected from developing coronary artery
disease after menopause.
Is there any required preparation for the scans?
It varies. There is no required preparation for the heart scan or the bone
mineral density test. Minimal preparation is required for the full body scan,
while the colon scan has a one-day preparation.
How does the Virtual Colonoscopy (VC) compare to a Colonoscopy?
The VC is a screening tool that allows visualization of the entire colon from
outside the body. The colonoscopy is an invasive diagnostic exam that allows
doctors to remove a detected polyp at the time of the procedure. The VC is
FDA-approved for visualization of polyps of 1 cm and above. Cancerous polyps
are considered to be 1 cm and larger.
There is no risk
of perforation of the bowel or risk of anesthesia when having the
VC. The entire procedure takes about 30 minutes and patients ordinarily
feel good enough to return to work.
If you have had
a personal history of colon
cancer or polyps or a family history of a parent or sibling with
colon cancer, then a VC should not be substituted for a colonoscopy.
Also, if you have any colon symptoms including bleeding, stool changes
or pain, then a VC is also not for you. Most physicians consider
cancerous polyps to be 1 cm and larger.
When will I receive my report(s)?
Coronary artery scans and bone mineral density tests require five to seven
working days. The virtual colonoscopy and full body reports should be received
in seven to ten working days.
Do I need a physician's order?
You do not need a physician’s order for coronary artery scans if you
are a male between 40 and 65 years old or if you’re a female between
45 and 70 years old and have at least one of the following cardiac risk factors:
family history of heart disease, diabetes, smoker, high blood pressure, LDL
cholesterol greater than 160 mg/DL or obesity. For all other screening tests,
you do need a physician’s order.
Will my insurance cover these tests?
We will be happy to provide you with the necessary paperwork for you to file
with your plan, but we do not file for you. Procedure codes are available ahead
of time to determine if the insurance company will reimburse for the services.
Patients must make full payment at the time of service.
Do you accept Medicare?
No. We are not a Medicare provider. Full payment is required at the time of
service.
How long do the procedures take?
The coronary artery scan and bone mineral density tests take less than 10 minutes.
The full body scan takes about 25 to 30 minutes, and the virtual colonoscopy
takes about 30 minutes.
How much radiation will I be exposed to?
The machine produces a very low dose of radiation. Most procedures are equivalent
in dose to a two-view chest x-ray or an abdomen series.
For more information
about scan services, contact a Wellness Institute representative
at 713-448-SCAN (7226).
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