Most Common Type of Heart Disease: Coronary Artery Disease

What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death in the United States. The coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. As the arteries become narrow, there is less blood and oxygen which can flow to the heart. This is what we refer to as CAD. Most cases result from atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) in which fatty deposits, called plaques, accumulate in the coronary arteries. CAD is associated with calcification in the blood vessels supplying the heart.

What is Coronary Screening (Heart CT)?
The Heart CT Scan is a very sensitive exam to detect the presence of calcium and, thus, coronary artery disease at an early stage, before patients develop clinical manifestations of the disease such as chest pain and heart attack. The more calcium that is found, the more atherosclerosis disease there is in the coronary arteries.

Is this test for you?
SDI Radiologists value the appropriate use of medical testing. This test is not for everyone. But, if you are male, age 35-70, or female, age 40-70, with any of the following risk factors, the Heart CT Score may provide valuable information to your physician about your heart health:

If you are currently under a physician's care for a cardiac-related illness or have a history of coronary artery disease, this test may not be right for you. If you are unsure, talk with your physician.

How is the test done?
When you come for your Heart CT Score, there are no needles, dyes, incisions, or liquids to swallow. You simply put on a gown and have four EKG sensors placed on your chest. Then you lay down on the bed of our high speed helical CT Scanner. During the test, you hold your breath for approximately 20 seconds. When it is determined that the images are satisfactory, the exam is over. The radiologist examines each of the images, carefully circling any areas of calcification. A computer calculates the quantity of calcium present. The radiologist then uses this number to give the test result a "score"..

What if the test shows Coronary Artery Calcification?
A detailed report of your scan and score, indicating your risk of heart problems, will be sent to your physician. The test results will guide your doctor in determining the proper course of treatment including diet, medication or further testing. Note that the plaque forming process can be decreased, stabilized or reversed, in some cases, through lifestyle modification and/or medication.

How do I make an appointment?
You should have a referral from your physician for the Heart CT Score. Once you have this referral, please call
813- 353-XRAY to schedule. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring is performed on our high-speed EKG-gated multislice helical CT units at SDI Diagnostic Imaging in South Tampa and SDI Diagnostic Imaging in Oldsmar.