NWHC Product 5

Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) is one of the
most advanced methods available to detect heart disease in
its earliest stages. And, there’s no better time than now to
prevent heart disease, because statistics like these continue
to remind us of its tragic effects:

	Every 29 seconds an American suffers a heart attack
	Every minute an American dies from a heart attack
	50% of men and 63% of women who die suddenly of heart disease have no previous symptoms
	About 80% of the people under 65 who died of heart disease did so during their first attack

Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest
indicator of heart disease. CACS uses noninvasive, high speed computerized tomography (CT) to scan your heart
and detect calcium deposits along the walls of arteries. The
test then produces a calcium score that identifies your level
of deposits. Taking into account other factors such as age,
family history and cholesterol level, your doctor uses that
score to measure your potential for heart disease.

What Should You Expect
during the Exam?

Next steps for you and your doctor
Should your score indicate a risk for heart disease, your doctor can recommend drug therapies or lifestyle modifications to help slow the progression of the disease.

An Overview of Coronary
Artery Calcium Scoring

	You’ll be lying comfortably on the exam table for about five minutes, though the scan takes only seconds.
	There’s no need to change your clothes, but all jewelry and metal items must be removed.
	Electrocardiogram leads will be placed on your chest to synchronize the scan with your heartbeats.
	You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during scanning.
	There is no special preparation for the exam; no fasting, no injections, no ceasing of medications.

Click here for patient instructions prior to having a CT done

Gaining Peace of Mind, Just in Time
The results of your exam represent peace of mind, since early detection is key to prevention. Considering over half the people who died suddenly of heart disease had no symptoms, what you know today can help you live a healthier tomorrow.

Coronary Artery Disease: The Inside Story
Heart disease is the common name for “coronary artery disease” (CAD). This condition is the end result of a progressive hardening of the arteries, a process in which arteries become clogged and prevent oxygen-rich blood from reaching the heart. Over time, deposits of cholesterol and other substances build up along vessel walls and become calcified. Blood flow slows until a blood clot forms, completely sealing off the passage of blood to the heart. At that point, a heart attack occurs.