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SCHEDULING
WHAT IS CT?
- CT 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.
- Unlike MRI, few people become claustrophobic in CT scanners.
- High blood pressure (greater than 140/90)
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol (undiagnosed or untreated - greater than 200mg/dl)
- Family history of heart disease
- Cigarette smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle (exercise less than three times a week)
- Overweight by 20% or more
- High stress lifestyle
- Age: Men over 45 years old; Women over 55 years old
- People with three or more of the risk factors listed above may be at increased risk for heart disease
Heart disease can be detected by measuring the amount of calcified plaque in the arteries.
CALCIUM SCORING
- Cardiac Scoring detects the amount of plaque in the coronary arteries.
- The coronary calcium score is known to predict the occurrence of cardiac events, such as fatal and nonfatal heart attacks or the need for coronary bypass surgery or coronary (balloon) angioplasty.
| Score | Meaning |
| 0 | No identifiable plaque, no risk. |
| 1-10 | Minimal plaque. Low risk of cardiac event. |
| 11-100 | Definite minimal plaque burden at least. Mild coronary stenosis (blockage) likely. |
| 101-400 | Moderate stenosis, consider exercise testing. |
| 400 | Extensive plaque burden. At least one major stenosis. Nuclear stress test and aggressive risk factor modification. |
WHAT IS CARDIAC GATING?
The challenge in imaging the coronary arteries has always been reliably stopping heart motion. With MGH West’s cardiac-gated, multi slice helical CT technology, high-resolution of the coronary arteries can be achieved while greatly minimizing radiation exposure to the patient.
Figure demonstrating cardiac gating. While the heart is beating, the scanner remains off. As the heart rests, the scanner turns on briefly, etc. This method dramatically reduces radiation dose and provides very sharp images.
FAQS
Q: How much does it cost?
A: $400.
Q: Will my insurance cover this test?
A: Most insurances do not cover screening exams.
Q: Where can I get this exam?
A: Mass General West Imaging, Waltham, MA. Directions
Q: Does the exam require special preparation?
A: No special preparation is required for this type of exam.
Q: How long does it take?
A: 10-15 minutes.
Q: Does a doctor discuss the exam with me on site?
A: No. Results go to your Primary Care Physician (PCP).
Q: How long will it take my physician (PCP) to get the results?
A: About 3 days.
SCHEDULING
- To schedule a CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring Exam, call your Primary Care Physician (PCP) and inform him/her that you would like a CT Calcium Scoring test.
- Call MGH West Imaging at 1-800-697-8296 and request a Cardiac Calcification Study (CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring Exam).
- Provide MGH West with the name of your PCP, who will receive the results of your exam.
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