February 25, 2022
Are you keeping score? There is no better time to get a cardiac calcium CT scan done than American Heart Month. This month and next, Coryell Health is charging half price, or $50, for patients to find out their calcium scores.
Your score can help determine your future risk of having a heart attack or stroke. A cardiac CT scan of the heart detects plaque or calcium accumulation in the arteries. The higher calcium score a patient has, the more aggressive the treatment will be, Dr. Phillip Myatt, Coryell Health Cardiologist explains. “Knowing a patient’s cardiac calcium score helps us develop targeted therapy for patients, including allowing us to optimize medications, such as statin dose, for preventing plaque buildup. Many patients may have otherwise had no idea of their risk.”
More on the Score
So what’s so bad about plaque? Plaque is a build-up of calcium and cholesterol on the artery walls that can narrow the arteries, reducing blood and oxygen flow. The more plaque in your heart, the higher your risk is of a cardiac event. In this scenario, the lower your score, the better.
You should get a cardiac calcium CT scan if you are between ages 40-70 and at increased risk for heart disease but do not have symptoms. People at increased risk include those with the following traits:
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Have a family history of high cholesterol
- Are overweight
- Are or have ever been a smoker
- Have a history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Have an inactive lifestyle
Benefits of Knowing Your Score
While advanced CT technology allows doctors to visualize any plaque buildup in a patient’s arteries, the calcium score can indicate to the physician that he or she may want to initiate or change preventive therapy to lower your risk.
Where Coryell Comes In
Don’t risk waiting. Take advantage of Coryell Health’s half-off special for American Heart Month by scheduling your calcium scan before the end of March! You’ll be glad that you determined your risk of developing heart problems sooner rather than later. The test is painless, non-invasive and fast; it typically takes about 20 minutes. You will be able to resume all regular activity immediately after the procedure. You can request the results be sent to any medical provider or Coryell Health Cardiology will contact you in an average of 3-5 business days.
Schedule your Calcium Score Scan today: (254) 248-6238.