Calcium Scoring $49

This screening may be useful if you are a male over 40 or a female over 40 with one or more of the following risk factors:

• borderline or high cholesterol
• high blood pressure
• you are a smoker
• family history of heart disease (mother, father, brother, sister)
• you have diabetes
• you are overweight

A heart scan is NOT useful if you have:

• Low heart attack risk. If you are under 40, don't smoke, have normal cholesterol and blood pressure, your heart attack risk is low.
• You have already had a heart attack or have had treatment for CAD. In these cases, your healthcare provider will already know you are at high risk.
• If you have had a previous heart scan. There is no evidence that having multiple scans is beneficial.

To prepare for the heart scan, you will need to:

• Avoid caffeine or smoking for 12 hours before the test.
• Take any medications as usual. You may eat and drink prior to the test.
• Plan to be here about an hour for the test. The actual scan takes about 15 minutes. (Delays may occur on a limited basis due to emergency test needs for hospital patients.)

You will receive your results in three to four business days. If you provide us with your provider's contact information, we are happy to provide the information to their office.

• It's important to take any heart attack symptoms such as chest discomfort, shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue seriously, regardless of your test results. For more information about heart attack symptoms, visit the American Heart Association website.
• For more information, visit the American College of Cardiology for clinical guidelines for the heart scan (coronary artery calcium scoring).
• As with any radiology procedure, this test does expose patients to radiation. Learn more by visiting the patient safety area of the American College of Radiology website.
• It is possible to have false positive results. This means that the test shows a high chance of blockage in the arteries of the heart when it is not true. Though calcium may be present, it may not be blocking the arteries. Your provider will determine if you need further testing.
• If you don't have a healthcare provider and would like assistance finding one that meets your needs, we can help. Click here to find a doctor.