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Healthscreen™ Arkansas

Coronary Artery | CT Lung Screening

What Is CT Coronary Artery Screening?

CT Coronary Artery Screening is a test that detects early signs of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease refers to the buildup of plaque (a material that contains cholesterol) in the arteries of the heart. This buildup can prevent the heart from getting enough blood, which can lead to chest pain or even a heart attack if an artery becomes completely blocked.

Plaque is often present years to decades before any symptoms of heart disease appear, which is why the Coronary Artery Screening is so valuable. Coronary Artery Screening can show doctors calcium in the arteries that represents hard plaque, and it can guide doctors in beginning preventive treatments against further development of coronary artery disease. Soft plaque (non-calcified plaque) will not be detected by this study.

CT Coronary Artery Screening

Congratulations on taking the first step toward the goal of a longer, healthier life!

Who Should Have CT Coronary Artery Screening?

Men over the age of 40 and women over the age of 50 (or postmenopausal) with any of the following risk factors should consider Coronary Artery Screening.

  • Elevated cholesterol
  • Low HDL cholesterol
  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Family member had a heart attack when he or she was under 50 years of age
  • History of cigarette smoking or exposure to second hand smoke
  • Vascular disease (such as in the neck or legs)
  • Inactive lifestyle or obesity

Do I Need To See My Doctor First?

We encourage all patients to work with their primary care physician in incorporating the results of this test into their own preventive health care plan. However, a physician referral is not necessary for this test.

How Does CT Coronary Artery Screening Work?

This procedure is non-claustrophobic, painless, non-invasive and takes less than 10 minutes to complete. It generates multiple images that cover your heart from top to bottom. The scan measures the volume, density, distribution, and number of calcified vessels in your heart. The computer-generated score will be interpreted by our radiologist and reported to you and your primary care physician by mail.

What To Expect During Your Exam

You will be asked to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out a patient questionnaire. A technologist will then assist you to the CT room where you will lie on a comfortable table. The table will then be moved to the starting position. As the screening begins, the table will move slowly through the scanner. You will be asked to hold your breath while the scanner takes the photographic images. The technologist will be monitoring you throughout the procedure, explaining everything as it happens. The x-ray dose for each study is equivalent to one abdominal x-ray. You may eat or drink normally prior to the exam. Wear comfortable clothing without metal buttons, snaps, or zippers. If this is not possible, a gown will be provided for you.

What Do The Results Mean?

Each screening is reviewed by a Board Certified Radiologist who interprets the score. The score reflects the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, with zero meaning no detectable calcium and higher scores representing more calcium. Scores will be identified as no risk, minimal, mild, moderate, or severe. A letter will be sent to you and your primary care physician with the results of the screening along with follow-up recommendations.

Can Anything Be Done If The Test Is Positive?

Yes. Studies have shown that certain medications can reduce your risk of having a heart attack. These medications include lipid-lowering drugs, and anti-platelet agents such as aspirin. Other measures, such as changes in diet and exercise have also been shown to be protective.

If A Test Is Positive, Does It Mean That I Will Have A Heart Attack?

No. A positive test means that you have plaque build up, which puts you at risk for a heart attack. Not all people who have plaque will ultimately have a heart attack in their lifetime.

If The Test Is Negative, Does It Mean That I will Never Have A Heart Attack?

No. Although, the likelihood of having a heart attack in the face of a negative test is low, we don’t know how long this protection will last. It depends on your age and other risk factors. If you had the test at a young age, you would likely need to have another test at a later age to confirm the absence of risk. This test does not identify non-calcified plaque.

Is This Test Mostly For Men?

No. Women are at five times greater risk for having a heart attack in their post-menopausal years than they are for having breast cancer. Coronary Artery Disease remains by far the number one cause of death in adult women. This test is not for patients who have already had a coronary artery bypass.

Will Insurance Pay For This Exam?

Insurance companies will not reimburse for this screening procedure at this time. The patient is responsible for payment at the time of service. Payments may be made by cash, check, debit or major credit card.

Early Detection Screening Is The Key!

NOTE: CT Coronary Artery Screening is a “piece of the puzzle” in diagnosing your heart health. Your primary care physician may order additional tests or refer you to a specialist to determine if you need treatment.


The cost of the CT Coronary Artery Screening is $100