Coronary Artery Calcium Screening can save lives by detecting heart disease before symptoms exist. The first symptom of heart disease may be a heart attack, since many patients never experience warning signs. Early identification of risk leads to prevention or an earlier initiation of treatment.
St. Luke’s Lakeside Hospital offers CACS. The exam lasts only about 30 minutes and you will be able to resume normal activities after.
Health insurance plans and Medicare usually do not cover CACS. Insurance plans vary widely. The cost of the CACS is $200 and must be paid at the time of the exam.
For more information or to schedule a Coronary Calcium Screening at St. Luke’s Lakeside Hospital, please call 936.266.9001.
What to Expect During the Screening
- CACS studies are simple and require little preparation
- You may not be required to change clothing, however, all jewelry and metal items must be removed
- You will be asked to lie on an examination table during the exam
- Sensors will be placed on your chest to synchronize the scan to your heartbeat
- CACS does not require needles or an IV
- The scan will only last a few minutes, but allow 45 minutes for the entire procedure. After the scan you can resume normal activities
- Board-certified physicians will review your test results
Who Should Consider Having a Screening
The following factors can indicate risk of heart disease and the need for a CACS exam. Consider consulting your physician if one or more of the following risk factors apply to you:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Lack of physical activity
- Male over 45 or female over 55
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Postmenopausal women
About the Screening
CACS measures calcium deposits within the walls of arteries in your heart. Cholesterol deposits or blockages in the arteries will incorporate calcium. Since calcium can be seen by X-ray, it provides a means for identification of potential coronary blockage. High-speed CT imaging of a beating heart provides the resolution necessary to see coronary clarification.
The CACS score indicates the level of calcium deposits. The higher the score, the greater the likelihood of underlying blockage. Your physician uses this CACS with other information, such as age, family history and cholesterol level, to determine the health of your heart.
Early detection is the key to preventing further problems.
