Calcium Scoring (via Fast CT)
A new test for early detection of heart disease
Prevention is the best medicine
An innovative new screening test can be helpful in determining if you are at risk for heart disease. Calcium scoring is a painless, safe and accurate exam that helps you and your doctor determine if you are at risk for heart disease. It is also the fastest method used today. Within five minutes, Beaufort Memorial Hospital’s fast CT takes more than 400 pictures of your heart from different angles, literally giving doctors a three-dimensional, real-time view of your heart.
This information allows doctors to see exactly where hard calcium has built up that causes clogged arteries, heart attacks and strokes. If there is no visible plaque buildup, it is a very good indication that you are not in danger. However, persons with high risk factors, such as family history of heart disease, smoking, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol/blood pressure may be required to take additional tests, since the fast CT does not identify soft plaque, which may also result in heart attacks and strokes.
"Before, it would take us up to 24 hours to analyze tests. Now, we can interpret results in 20 minutes and explain to patients their options before they go home," says Phillip Blalock, M.D., Beaufort Memorial Hospital radiologist. "I think it does a great deal to reduce people’s anxiety about waiting. If they are at risk, they can start taking steps, such as changing their diet, immediately."
Learn
about the heart's continuous pumping cycle.