What is cardiac scoring by HealthDetect?
How is the test done?
What do my results mean?

Coronary artery disease, also known as atherosclerosis, occurs when the arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart become clogged with plaque. The plaque buildup slows the flow of blood to the heart muscle which can cause a condition called ischemia that leads to the chance of heart failure.

What is cardiac scoring by HealthDetect?

Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect is a fast, convenient and painless computed tomography (CT) exam. CT, more commonly known as CAT scanning, is the process of making an X-ray image of a very small section of your body. During CT scanning, an X-ray beam passes through the body and is recorded by electronic detectors. These detectors send the information to a computer where it is translated into an image.

How is the test done?

During your exam, you will simply lie on the CT couch as it slowly moves into the donut-shaped scanner, which takes an image - or picture - of your beating heart while you hold your breath for approximately 20 seconds. The procedure requires no injections, treadmills or preparation such as fasting.

The information acquired during your CT exam is then processed with a cardiac scoring software package that evaluates and quantifies the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. The results of your test will be sent to you, and at your request, sent to your doctor for further consultation.

What do my results mean?

Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect quantifies the amount of calcification present in your coronary arteries by converting it into a score. Researchers have found that high scores are extremely predictive of coronary artery disease and heart failure. The earlier a warning sign is detected, the more control you and your physician have over reducing your risk.

Regardless of your score, always discuss your test results with your doctor.

If your score is 0:
Your probability of having significant coronary artery disease is minimal. If you are a man under the age of 55 or a woman under the age of 60, you may wish to repeat the test every five years. Be sure to share the results with your physician and discuss any lifestyle modifications required for continued good health.

If your score is positive but less than 100:
Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect has detected calcified plaque in the arteries of your heart but it is unlikely to be causing a narrowing at this time. Along with your physician, you should assess your cardiac risk factors and initiate appropriate preventive measures.

If your score is between 101 and 400:
Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect has detected a considerable amount of calcified plaque in the arteries of your heart. While this is not a medical emergency, there is an increased risk of a future heart attack. Make an appointment to see a doctor for a full assessment of your cardiac risk factors. The physician will determine what additional tests may be best. Your doctor may want to place you on a treatment regimen to modify your risk factors to reduce the risk of heart attack.

If your score is greater than 400:
Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect has detected extensive calcified plaque in your coronary arteries which may have critical narrowing. You are at increased risk of heart attack. Make an appointment to see your doctor soon. Besides a full risk factor assessment, some type of stress test may be indicated and possibly an angiogram. Based on your physician's recommendations, you should begin treatment immediately to reduce your risk of heart attack.

A HealthDetect heart scan is not a replacement for seeing your physician or cardiologist. It is not meant to replace other diagnostic tests such as EKG, stress test or cardiac catherization.