CT Calcium Scoring Can Save A Life

Hannibal, MO -- Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death in the United States, taking lives of more than 350,000 people each year.

Survival from SCA depends on the quick actions of people nearby who call 911, start CPR and use an AED to restart the heart.

The first sign of coronary artery disease is calcification — calcium deposits in plaque on the inside walls of your arteries. Using a special imaging technique called high-speed CT, plaque and calcification levels are measured, yielding what’s called a cardiac calcium score. The higher the score, the greater the risk of having a cardiac event such as a heart attack.

Calcium scoring can be a key tool to prevent a heart attack. When considered along with other risk factors, it provides valuable guidance about how aggressively you should apply preventive measures such as taking cholesterol or blood pressure medication, weight loss or quitting smoking, for example.

Since coronary artery disease often doesn’t have symptoms until a cardiac episode occurs, a cardiac calcium score can help identify those individuals who could benefit from preventive evaluation and treatment. A physician’s order is not required for this appointment.

During a scoring procedure, you will lie on your back on a CT table, and EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rate. The CT table will move in very small increments every few seconds and take pictures. You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds, and you will need to hold perfectly still. The scan takes approximately 20-30 seconds.

Hannibal Regional will be offering calcium scoring tests for $99 during the month of October. For more information or to schedule a test call 573-248-5688.