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A CardioScan is a Food and Drug Administration approved calcium scoring exam performed with a computer tomography scanner. It shows the presence of calcium plaque in the coronary arteries. Calcified plaque in the arteries identifies the presence of coronary artery disease, commonly referred to as "hardening of the arteries." As more plaque builds up, arteries get narrower and the risk of a sudden heart attack increases. Though the scan does not show the exact amount of blockage, or stenosis, 85 percent of heart disease can be halted or prevented if the conditions that lead to a heart attack are diagnosed early enough. What is involved in the test? The exam itself takes about five minutes. There are no needles, no prep, no pain, and a physician referral is not necessary. You will have three EKG (electrocardiogram) leads placed on your chest and you will lay back with your arms above your head. The table will be moved into the proper scanning position and the machine will give you breathing instructions. You will need to hold your breath for 17 to 22 seconds two or three times during the scan. The scan is not confining and patients usually do not have episodes of claustrophobia. Are there any forms that I need to fill out? Yes, there are three forms you will need to fill out and bring with you when you come in for your test. CardioScan Patient Information and Authorization CardioScan Medical Information CardioScan Statement of Financial Liability What happens after the test and when will I receive the results? Once the scan is completed, you will return to the waiting room while your images are reviewed by a cardiologist. A nurse will then go over your results with you, and you are usually finished within 15 minutes. What if you find calcium plaque? If your scan indicates light or moderate calcium plaque, we can recommend a regimen of diet, exercise and other lifestyle changes that will minimize or halt the further development of heart disease. If your exam reveals a high degree of plaque, the cardiologists with Cardiovascular Consultants can perform additional tests to determine your immediate risk for heart attack and recommend treatment or procedures to reduce that risk. If there is no calcium plaque present, you probably do not have any coronary artery disease, and your risk of heart attack is very low. Of course, your should still work to reduce your risk factors by eating right, exercising regularly and avoiding smoking. But, for now, your can relax! Regardless of your test results, everyone should know the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke. If you feel any of these symptoms, go to an emergency room immediately. Quick treatment can greatly reduce the severity of a heart attack, and potentially save your life. Heart attack symptoms include:
What are the risk factors of heart disease? If you can answer "yes" to three or more of the following questions, a CardioScan may be beneficial to you:
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