Where To Get a Coronary Calcium Scan Near Me?
Written by: ViaScan Editorial Team
Medical Advisor: John Duncan, Ph.D. Director of Operations at: VIASCAN
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this article does not create a doctor–patient relationship with ViaScan. Always consult your doctor or another qualified healthcare professional regarding your health, symptoms, or treatment. If you think you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
A heart scan can determine your risk for heart disease at an early stage. It is an excellent way to monitor your health if you are worried about the condition of your heart. More specifically, a coronary calcium scan is a non-invasive procedure that quantifies the calcium content in the coronary artery walls. This calcium level might serve as a marker for atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease (CAD). This blog discusses the significance of coronary calcium scans. You can also explore other information regarding heart scans.
Why Doesn’t Insurance Cover Coronary Calcium Scan?
This is one of the most common questions asked by several individuals. The most important factor is that coronary calcium scans are more often seen as preventative than diagnostic by many insurance providers. The test is commonly considered an optional procedure since its main purpose is to assess the risk of future heart disease rather than to identify a current issue. The significance of these symptoms or findings depends on the individual’s history, examination, and the condition being investigated. A qualified healthcare professional can recommend appropriate tests, explain their limitations, and determine the next steps. Avoid treating a screening scan as a definitive diagnosis. If you are worried about the cost, you can check with your insurance carrier to see whether or not they give any coverage or discounts for preventative heart health exams.
How Long Does a Heart CT Scan Take?
It usually takes less than 10 minutes to actually scan the heart. However, it may take around 30 to 60 minutes for the whole session, which includes preparation and consultation after the scan. The patient lies on a table that slides into a computerized tomography (CT) scanner. This captures high-resolution pictures of the patient’s heart. The process is not painful and involves just a short period of time. It is basically an option that is valuable for those who have some busy schedules.
What is the Treatment for a High Calcium Score?
You are more likely to have coronary artery disease and a high risk of heart attack if your coronary calcium scan indicates a high calcium score. The criteria from the calcium score guidelines assist medical professionals in determining the most appropriate course of action for you. In most cases, treatment consists of making changes to one’s lifestyle as well as taking medicine to control risk factors. A review of typical remedies is presented here:
- Lifestyle Changes:
Important actions include adopting a diet that is good for the heart. You can increase the amount of physical exercise you get, give up smoking, and learn to manage your stress.
- Medications:
Doctors may recommend cholesterol-lowering medication such as a statin, and other medicines to control blood pressure or blood sugar. Whether aspirin is appropriate depends on your bleeding risk, so do not start it without talking to your doctor. [1]
- Further Testing:
Further evaluation of the heart’s health may need the use of imaging techniques such as angiograms or stress testing.
It is vital to have regular follow-up appointments with your healthcare practitioner in order to assess your progress. You can also make any required modifications to the treatment plan that you have been following.
Why No Caffeine Before Calcium Scoring?
The findings of the heart scan may be affected by caffeine. This is because your heart rate and blood pressure may both rise as a consequence of caffeine use, which may have an impact on the outcomes of the scan. For the best assessment of your coronary calcium levels, it is ideal to maintain a state of complete cardiac relaxation. Follow the preparation instructions you are given when you book; you may be asked to avoid caffeine for a few hours before the scan.
Where to Get a Coronary Calcium Scan Near Me?
ViaScan of Las Colinas, 349 East Las Colinas Blvd, Suite C, Irving, TX 75039, offers coronary calcium scoring. Call (972) 739-2840, Monday to Friday, 8 AM–5 PM, to ask about pricing and appointments.
References:
[1] CardioSmart (American College of Cardiology) — Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring — https://cardiosmart.org/cac.
Director of Operations at : VIASCAN
John Duncan, Ph.D., has been a leading expert in preventive cardiology for over 20 years. He has dedicated his career to helping thousands of people take control of their health before problems arise.
After working at the Cooper Institute for 15 years, he founded ViaScan, where he has helped tens of thousands of patients gain insight into their health through early detection of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
