Coronary Artery Calcium Score |  | 
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A fast, painless imaging procedure that measures the calcium build-up in arteries, calcium scoring can bring you peace of mind by providing information on the condition of your heart and detecting signs of heart and vascular disease before the onset of trouble.
During a calcium score screening, doctors use a special scan of your heart to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. Such calcium deposits can narrow your arteries and increase your risk of heart attack. The result of the screening test is called your coronary calcium score.
A heart scan and calcium score screening MAY be helpful if you are:
While knowing your coronary calcium score can be helpful to many, a calcium score screening may NOT be useful if you have:
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Low heart attack risk. If you are young, healthy and have no obvious risk factors, a calcium score will not tell you anything you and your doctor don't already know
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High heart attack risk. If you have high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, smoke and are over 65, you and your doctor already know you are at high risk for heart disease and only lifestyle changes and/or medication will change that
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Already had a heart attack or previous angioplasty. You are already considered high risk for a heart attack and your calcium score will not provide any additional information on your condition or treatment
Learn more about what to expect before, during and after the test.
Coronary Artery Calcium Score Screenings are offered Mondays through Fridays at Mercy General Hospital and at Mercy San Juan Medical Center upon request. You can schedule this (or any of the other available health screenings) yourself. No referral is required.
The cost is $325 per screening; payable by cash, check or credit card. Your insurance will not be billed.
Call 916.453.6961 for more information or to schedule an appointment. |
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