Coronary Calcium Score

Coronary Calcium Score has been shown to be beneficial in patients who are considered to be at an intermediate risk for Coronary Artery Disease. This short test will measure the amount of hard, calcified plaque that is currently in the arteries of your heart and will provide a 10 year risk assessment about your chances of a heart attack.

Hard, calcified plaque develops due to the presence of soft plaque. It is soft plaque that usually results in sudden heart attacks because it breaks off and forms “clots” that then block the smaller vessels of the heart. Hard plaque forms in an effort to prevent these clots from breaking off and is easily measured through tests like Coronary Calcium Score.

Your Coronary Calcium Score (CCS) will be performed on a state-of-the-art 64 slice CT scanner. The exam will only take a few minutes, and you will be asked to wait while your score is measured. Once your score is complete, a Radiologist who has met the qualifications reccommended by the American College of Radiology in the interpretation of Cardiac CT procedures will discuss your results and next steps.

Are you at an Intermediate Risk for Coronary Artery Disease?

Are you a Male 45 or over?
Are you Female 55 or over?
Are you postmenopausal?
Do you have high blood preassure?
Do you have high cholesterol?
Do you have family history of heart disease?
Do you smoke or previously smoked?
Do you have diabetes?
Do you have a stressful lifestyle?
Do you have a sedentary lifestyle?
Are you overweight?

If 2 or more RISK FACTORS apply to you, then you can be considered to be at an intermediate risk for a heart attack and can benefit from a Coronary Calcium Score. Please be sure to discuss all risk factors that you selected as well as your Coronary Calcium Score with your primary care physician.

R. Dean Gulling’s Story University Radiology at Turkey Creek reaches out to the communities we serve to raise awareness about Coronary Calcium Screening for the early detection of heart disease. Recently we worked with Citizen’s National Bank of Sevierville to offer this powerful screening test to members of the Good Life Program. “My wife and I signed up for the heart calcium CAT scan. My scan showed large calcium deposits in the arteries, which the computer indicated an 85% risk of heart attack. Further tests revealed five blockages resulting in an emergency by-pass operation, no doubt saving my life and or severe heart muscle damage. If not for this test, I might not be here today.”

Calcium Scoring Featured on WVLT Recently, Dr. Jeffrey Peeke, our Cardiothoracic, Fellowship trained radiologist and cardiac imaging specialist was featured in the health report on WVLT. To see the interview and read the transcript, follow the link below to WVLT: http://www.volunteertv.com/health/headlines

For additional information on Coronary Calcium Scoring, or to setup your appointment,
please call our Turkey Creek Office at (865) 777-6700.