Cardiac
scoring consists of a 64-slice CT scan of your coronary arteries.
St. John’s Hospital
installed and began using 64-slice CT in 2006.
The device produces
precise diagnostic pictures within five to 10 seconds, enabling one to
“freeze” motion and better define certain disease processes.
For patients experiencing symptoms associated with heart disease, the new
scanner provides improved resolution of images of the coronary arteries that
may make clear the need for more invasive testing.
The information obtained from the scan is transferred to a
workstation equipped with VScore, a calcium scoring system. VScore uses the
scan information to calculate the amount of calcium buildup in the walls of
your coronary arteries.
A report is then sent to you and your
physician. With this important information, you and your physician can work
together to create a heart healthy lifestyle that will minimize your risk of
a heart attack.
Cardiac scoring is available by making an
appointment through St. John’s Hospital-Imaging. The test will take about 30
minutes and there is no special preparation (i.e. fasting) involved. The
cost is $250 and is payable at the time of service. Insurance will not
cover the cardiac scoring test. Patients do not need a physician
referral, but must have a primary care physician in the event that there is
a positive finding.
For more information or to make an
appointment, please call 417-820-9729.