CT Cardiac Scoring (for patients over 40)
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women in America. In 1995, over 58 million people were estimated to have heart disease claiming 960,600 lives. Approximately one half of cardiac deaths - 480,000 people – are the result of coronary artery disease (CAD). Most people are unaware they have CAD – 60% of men and 42% of women presenting with acute myocardial infarction or sudden death have no prior history of heart disease. More Americans die of heart disease than all types of cancers combined.

Coronary artery calcium is a marker of atherosclerosis; The primary cause of heart disease is the build-up of plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries of the heart. This build-up can cause the arteries to narrow. Plaque can also break away from the artery walls and cause a blockage. In both instances the heart muscle does not receive enough blood flow and oxygen-thus a heart attack can occur. Advancements in CT scanning technology have made it possible to measure coronary artery calcification by screening CT. The Cardiac Scoring procedure can determine whether or not underlying coronary artery calcification disease is present, and provides an estimate of the extent and severity of coronary disease.

Northwest Imaging Center’s Cardiac Scoring procedure uses the state-of-the-art Siemen’s 64 Slice Sensation CT scanner that offers multi-slice and multi-detector technology to acquire ECG gated, submillimeter images allowing visualization of the smallest coronary branches.

CT screening is a non-invasive method of estimating coronary artery disease risk. The patient undergoes a 25 second, low dose CT scan of the heart. Specialized computer software is used to quantify the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, and calculate a calcium score.

Indications:
According to the American Heart Association, patients may have a higher risk for heart disease if the patient meets the following criteria:

• Age
  • Men over 45
  • Women over 55 or post menopausal
• Tobacco Use
  • Current or former smoker
  • Exposure to a significant amount of second hand smoke
• Family History
  • Father or brother had a heart attack before age 55
  • Mother or sister has a heart attack before age 65
  • Close blood relative had a stroke
• Cholesterol
  • Total Cholesterol:
    • 200-239 mg/dL - Borderline High
    • 240 mg/dL & above - High
  • LDL Cholesterol:
    • 130-159 mg/dL - Borderline High
    • 160-189 mg/dL - High
    • 190 mg/dL & above - Very High
  • Mother or sister has a heart attack before age 65
  • Close blood relative had a stroke
• Blood Pressure
  • High blood pressure
• Inactive Lifestyle
  • Less than 30 minutes of physical activity on most days
• Body Weight
  • Overweight
• Diabetes
  • Currently have diabetes or need medicine to control blood sugar levels

Vascular Screenings
An estimated 20-30 million Americans are at risk for vascular disease including stroke, carotid artery disease and aortic aneurysms. Vascular diseases can produce stroke which is the third leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of disability in the United States.

• Carotid Artery Screening:
  Ultrasound scan of the carotid arteries that screens for the build-up of fatty plaque – the leading cause of strokes. The carotid arteries are the main vessels that carry blood to the brain.
• Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Screening:
  Ultrasound scan that screens for the existence of an aneurysm (dilation of the blood vessel) in the abdominal aorta that could lead to a ruptured aortic artery. The vast majority of people who have an aneurysm have no symptoms.