Coronary artery disease, also known as coronary heart disease, is the leading cause of death of both men and women in America today.

Coronary artery disease, also referred to as the silent killer, is a condition in which calcium deposits (plaque) build up and narrow your heart (coronary) arteries. These arteries supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. Eventually, your arteries may become blocked leading to chest pain (angina) and heart attacks.

Heart scans, also known as Coronary Calcium CT scans, is a fast and painless, non-invasive study that determines the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. This type of study does not require any medications or intravenous contrast dye administration. The CT findings are expressed as a “calcium score” and are a helpful prognostic tool to determine your risk of heart attack. Heart scans may show that you have a higher risk of having a heart attack or other problems even before you have any obvious symptoms of heart disease.

This study is recommended for asymptomatic patients over the age of 40 with major risk factors for CAD including:

• Family history of heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Elevated cholesterol levels
• Diabetes
• History of smoking
• Obesity

Please be aware that most insurance plans do not currently cover this screening study for asymptomatic patients, and therefore these examinations will be self-pay studies. It is also highly recommended that you review your results with your primary care physician.

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