What is cardiac scoring by HealthDetect?
Why should I have the HealthDetect test done?
Who do you recommend this test to?
Do I need a doctor's referral to have the HealthDetect test?
How is the test scored and what does my score mean?
What do the results tell me?
Does a very low score or even a score of "zero" mean that there is no chance of a heart attack?
Why do I want to know my coronary artery calcium score?
Is HealthDetect covered by my insurance?
What is cardiac scoring by HealthDetect?
Cardiac scoring by HealthDetect is a noninvasive CT cardiac scoring test for determining the amount of plaque buildup in your arteries. Plaque buildup slows the flow of blood to the heart muscle and can cause ischemia and increase the chance of fatal and nonfatal heart failure.
Why should I have the HealthDetect test done?
Eighty-five percent of sudden heart attacks could be prevented if the conditions that lead to the attack are diagnosed early enough to prescribe treatment and lifestyle changes. By knowing your score before you develop symptoms, you are taking charge of your health and potentially saving your life.
Who do you recommend this test to?
We suggest that men over 45 years old or women over 55 consider the HealthDetect test, provided that there is no possibility of pregnancy and no previous history of heart attack or heart surgery. Anyone, regardless of age, who is interested in having the test done should call us for an appointment at 610-433-4330.
Do I need a doctor's referral to have the HealthDetect test?
No. HealthDetect is available to any individual who wants to access his or her risk of heart problems. HealthDetect lets you take charge of your health - whether you are just curious or feel that you are at risk due to family history or other risk factors.
How is the test scored and what does my score mean?
HealthDetect quantifies the amount of calcification present in the coronary arteries by converting it into a score. Calcification is a bone-like substance that can be detected by certain types of X-rays. When there is calcification, we know that there is plaque buildup.
What do the results tell me?
The results will let you know if there is any calcified plaque buildup in the arteries to your heart. The higher the test score, the more plaque there is - which indicates a greater risk of heart attack. When you have the procedure done, you will receive guidelines for understanding your test. Any score above zero should be discussed with your physician.
Does a very low score or even a score of "zero" mean that there is no chance of a heart attack?
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees. HealthDetect is just one way of assessing your heart's health and needs to be evaluated with other health information about you - such as your cholesterol levels, smoking history, family history and other risk factors. A HealthDetect heart scan is equivalent to a mammogram and other screening tests in terms of diagnostic merit.
Why do I want to know my coronary artery calcium score?
By knowing your score, you could possibly reverse your plaque buildup and stop the progression of heart disease.
Is HealthDetect covered by my insurance?
As with most new screening tests, HealthDetect is not covered by insurance or Medicare at this time. However, check with your plan regarding preventive screening services, it just may be covered.
