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AM I A CANDIDATE FOR A CORONARY ARTERY SCAN?
| 1. | Who is accepted to take this test? | |
If physician-referrals are not necessary, we accept self-referred men between the ages of 40-65 and women between the ages of 45-70 years of age, who have one additional risk factor for heart disease such as family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high stress and physical inactivity. Depending on what area you are from, physician referrals may or may not be necessary. Please check with your local center for more details. |
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2. |
Why should a person with one or more risk factors have a coronary artery scan? |
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Since 150,000 people die each year from coronary artery disease without having any warning symptoms, an early detection test allows those identified to be at higher risk of developing heart disease to take preventive steps in modifying their risk factors. This can be done under the supervision of a physician by taking medications and/or making lifestyle changes. |
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3. |
Why is establishing a baseline so important? |
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Establishing a baseline is important for benchmarking. Depending on your initial result, a baseline helps determine the progression of the atherosclerotic process. Considered the "silent killer", heart disease strikes often in asymptomatic people. But, since it is a progressive disease over time, it is helpful to start tracking atherosclerosis as soon as possible. Early detection allows patients to modify their risk factors and work with their physicians for the prevention of coronary events. |
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4. |
Do women need coronary artery scans? |
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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 which helps raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels, women are not as protected from developing coronary artery disease after menopause. |
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5. |
I have had bypass surgery. Is the test useful to me? Why or why not? |
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The coronary artery scan is not an indicator of luminal narrowing, but rather an indicator of the atherosclerotic process itself. For those patients with established disease, more advanced tests are necessary to accurately assess the extent of the blockage. The Coronary Artery Scan would only confirm the presence of atherosclerosis. |
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6. |
I have mitral valve prolapse (or heart murmur). Is the test useful for me? |
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Since HeartScan focuses specifically on the early detection of the atherosclerotic process, the Coronary Artery Scan would not provide any useful information regarding mitral valve prolapse. We recommend that you consult your personal physician for any additional information. |
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7. |
I have chest pain. Is the test useful for me? |
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The HeartScan is recommended for patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease. Risk factors include family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, high stress and physical inactivity. Patients with symptoms like chest pain should consult with their personal physicians immediately. Symptoms for coronary artery disease are serious and should not be treated lightly. |
