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RESULTS
| 1. | What type of results do I get? |
Self-referred patients receive a result sheet of all tests obtained, an explanatory letter of the test results written in layman's terms and recommendations from the reading physician for follow up medical care. Generally, physician-referred patients receive a result sheet and are instructed to follow up with the physician ordering the test who will discuss the test results and develop an individualized plan. |
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2. |
Who reads the results? What is included? |
Your results include a written reports prepared by a radiologist or cardiologist. These results should be taken to your own personal physician. |
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3. |
How long does it take to get the results? |
The reporting time-frame generally is between 3 to 5 business days after the scan. |
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4. |
If I am a self-referred patient how do I interpret the results? |
During your scan at HeartScan, images were taken from the top to bottom of your heart. Typically, 30 to 40 images are required to cover this area. If calcium is present in your coronary arteries, a computer program will be used to measure the volume and density of the calcium observed. A numerical score is then generated for each area of observed calcium, and a total calcium score is computed. Based on your calcium score and your age decade, your results will be assigned to one of four "scoring categories" which will suggest whether you need further follow-up with a physician. If you score Zero: There was no calcium observed in your coronary arteries. This indicates a very low likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease (coronary artery problem that would require intervention) at this time. Of course, any symptoms that concern you should be followed up with a physician. If you score Mild: You have a mild amount of calcium present for your age decade which does correlate with the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. A "Mild" score suggests a low likelihood of obstructive coronary disease. If you score Moderate: There is more calcium present for your age decade than our physicians expect. This score indicates that you should seek follow-up with a physician. A physical examination usually is recommended, and your physician may choose to perform some type of cardiac stress testing to rule out obstructive disease. HeartScan strongly advises that you follow your physician's recommendations for risk factor modification, aspirin therapy and/or cholesterol- lowering regimens. If you score Severe: There is significantly more calcium present for your age decade than our physicians expect. Severe calcification requires follow- up with a physician, who probably will perform a physical examination and some type of cardiac stress testing. You should carefully follow your physician's recommendations for risk factor modification concerning lifestyle, diet, aspirin therapy and/or cholesterol control. Severe calcification does not necessarily mean that "severe" disease is present, but is does mean that physician follow-up is appropriate. Coronary Artery Scanning shows the presence of calcium only and does not show a cross- sectional diameter of your coronary arteries. Further follow-up with your physician can determine if blood flow to your heart is altered by the calcium burden present. In addition to your mailed report, a nurse or technologist will call you to discuss your results if you score in the Severe range. Of course, no matter what your results, you may call the HeartScan Center Manager with any questions you might have. |
