The Alternative Press

A relatively new technology in cardiovascular medicine, cardiac calcium scoring is a highly accurate way to detect plaque in the arteries around your heart (or the coronary arteries). Although many people might be at risk for a heart attack, they might not have symptoms that suggest the need for an invasive examination to evaluate their heart health. If you are concerned about coronary artery disease, calcium scoring is a simple, 10-minute procedure that can tell your doctor and you about your heart health.

How Calcium Scoring Works

A noninvasive CT (computed tomography) scanner will be used to take still images of your heart. The scan and sophisticated computer software will measure the amount of calcium deposited in your arteries and determine how well blood flows to your heart. Your doctor will examine your calcium score and compare it with other men and women your age to determine your risk for heart attack. Once the procedure is complete, your doctor will explain the results to you.

Calcium scoring is best for healthy patients without symptoms who might have other risks for heart disease such as:

• A family history of heart disease or stroke
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• High blood pressure
• A sedentary (or inactive) lifestyle
• High cholesterol or low HDL (the good) cholesterol
• Smoking

If you are aged 40 years or older and even if you do not have risk factors for heart disease, you might want to consider calcium scoring to learn more about your heart health. If your results show signs of plaque building up in your arteries, your doctor can recommend an exercise program, healthy diet, and ways to carefully control diabetes to lower your cholestrol and prevent more plaque from building up in your arteries. Detecting coronary artery disease early will help your doctor and you protect your heart.

To schedule an appointment with one of our board-certified cardiologists, please call Summit Medical Group Cardiology at 908-273-4300.

For more information about our full range of health and wellness services, visit www.summitmedicalgroup.com.