|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Heart Scan |
|
|
You may have
Coronary Artery Disease and not even know it. |
|
|
Four in ten Americans over the age of 40 have coronary artery disease, most without symptoms. |
|
|
The Heart Scan Program is a non-invasive, quick and painless method for imaging of the coronary arteries. The procedure has a greater than 95% accuracy for detecting coronary artery calcification, which indicates the presence of coronary artery disease, the number one cause of death in the U.S.A. People below age 60 who have premature coronary artery calcification are at an increased risk of having a heart attack. Calcification is caused by inflammation in the artery wall called atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. Ultrafast CT can show calcification in the coronary arteries even in people without symptoms. Early detection of calcification may improve the chances for reversing or halting the progression of coronary artery disease. In 1996, the American Heart Association released a Scientific Statement for Health Professionals reporting that: Only Ultrafast CT can accurately measure the amount or volume of calcification. These lesions are often totally undetectable by coronary angiography, formerly considered the 'gold standard' for detecting coronary artery disease. |
|
| Ultrafast CT | |
|
Ultrafast CT provides the best,
non-invasive test to detect asymptomatic coronary artery disease by
directly imaging the coronary arteries using calcium as the marker.
The degree of atherosclerosis can be measured by the determination
of a calcium score. Medical treatment and modification of risk
factors can arrest the process so that it does not progress to
end-stage disease where bypass surgery or angioplasty becomes
necessary. Visit our News pages to view TV and newspaper stories covering CMA's Ultrafast CT scanner. |
|
| Animated Ultrafast CT scan images | |
|
This animated image shows the heart in the center of the image, as the CT scanner provides images of "slices" of the heart. The white patches show calcification, indicating atherosclerosis.
|
|
| Who is at risk? | |
|
Each year 1.5 million Americans suffer a heart attack and some 500,000 will die of sudden heart attacks. One hundred and fifty thousand of them will have no warning symptoms. According to the American Heart Associates, risk increases with age and adverse lifestyle factors. Men over the age of 40 and women over the age of 50, and anyone with the following may be at risk:
|
|
| The Ultrafast CT scan is fast and easy | |
|
There is no special preparation required and a doctor's referral is not necessary, although we will send a report to the physician of your choice, should you wish. The Ultrafast CT scan procedure takes about fifteen minutes. The entire Heart Imaging Program from parking to registration and completion of the scan takes less than 30 minutes - about as much time as a typical lunch break! |
|
| How accurate is the Ultrafast CT scan? | |
|
Ultrafast CT can accurately detect calcification in early coronary artery disease. It is even more accurate as the disease progresses and calcium content increases. The amount of radiation involved in Ultrafast CT is similar to that of a screening mammogram. |
|
| Who might benefit from an Ultrafast CT scan? | |
|
Men over the age of 35 and women over
the age of 45 may benefit from having an Ultrafast CT scan, as
early detection may allow the best chance for appropriate and
successful intervention. Coronary calcifications generally increase with age. Consequently, an Ultrafast CT Scan may be of lesser value in predicting active coronary disease in older individuals. However, no matter what your age, if you are experiencing chest pains, contact your doctor right away. |
|
| Insurance coverage | |
|
The charge for the Ultrafast CT scan is $400. VISA, MasterCard, American Express and cash are accepted. We can provide you with documentation necessary to file a claim, but please check with your individual insurance carrier. |
|
High Stress Lifestyle