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Heart Hospital - Procedures
Coronary Calcium Scan (Heart Scan)
Why is the procedure being done?
A multi-slice spiral CT scanner is able to detect calcium
deposits in the coronary arteries. Calcium deposits are a
marker of atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease, which
may indicate a higher risk of heart disease long before
symptoms develop.
Knowing that a person has coronary artery disease would allow
early, more aggressive preventive treatment. Heart scanning
can help guide physicians in determining if medication,
medical therapy or more complex testing is needed for their
patients.
What is the procedure?
A heart scan does not involve any needles or medications. A
person simply lies on an exam table and has three ECG
electrode wires placed on his or her chest. The spiral CT
scanner takes a rapid series of X-ray pictures of the heart
between heart beats, while the person holds his or her
breath for 15-20 seconds.
How do I prepare for the procedure?
- Wear comfortable clothing. You may be asked to
undress from the waist up and put on a gown.
- Do not consume caffeinated beverages or over-the-counter
medications, which might increase your heart rate for four
hours prior to the procedure. (Please take your regularly
prescribed medicines.)
- Avoid smoking for one hour prior to the
procedure.
How long does this procedure take?
This procedure generally takes 15-20 minutes.
Where is this procedure done?
A heart scan is done in the Medical Imaging Department of
Meriter Hospital.
6/23/2008
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