Heart Screenings Now Available
We all know the importance of a healthy diet and regular exercise but sometimes there are unavoidable risk factors that might lead to cardiac issues.
Since early detection is key to your heart health, take matters into your own hands by scheduling a Heart Screening, now offered by WellStar Health System, WellStar Cardiovascular Medicine and Quantum Radiology. Using a multi-slice CT Scan, a screening can help determine your level of risk of heart disease or future cardiac issues.
What is a Heart Screening/Calcium Score:
A Heart Screening, sometimes called a Calcium Score or Heart Scan, is a low dose, non-invasive (without needles) procedure that affords you the opportunity to determine the presence and extent of coronary calcium. The scan is useful for early detection of heart disease and allows for appropriate intervention to take place before the clinical manifestations of coronary artery disease develop.
Coronary artery disease is currently the leading cause of death and disability in the United States. (AHA 2006)
You should consider scheduling a Heart Screening if you are currently 35 years of age or older and have at least one of the following risk factors:
- History of smoking or tobacco use
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- High Blood Pressure
- Obesity
You would not be a candidate for Heart Screening if you have the following
A physician referral is not required unless you are under the age of 35.
No matter where you are located, there’s a convenient imaging center offering the screenings:
- Douglas Imaging Center, 6002 Professional Parkway, Douglasville
- Paulding Imaging Center, 148 Bill Carruth Pkwy, Suite LL20, Hiram
- Cobb Imaging Center, 1700 Hospital Drive South, Suite 202, Austell
- Kennestone Cardiac CT Imaging, 55 Whitcher Street, Suite 150, Marietta
- Kennestone Imaging Center in East Cobb, 1070 Woodlawn Drive, Marietta
The fee for a Heart Screening is $150.00 for an individual, or $250 per couple, which is due at the time of service and is not covered by insurance. Cash, credit or check will be accepted. The fee includes a CT scan and the review by a cardiac radiologist.
Heart Screening Exam Information:
The process takes less than 30 minutes and requires no special preparation. No needles, IV’s or contrast is required for this test. Three ECG leads (small gel pads) will be placed on your chest during your scan. As heart rate is important to the quality of the scan, it is recommended that you refrain from stimulants 6 hours prior to test such as (caffeine, smoking, and stimulant medications). This helps to ensure a steady, slower heart rate for your scan and improves the overall quality. You may eat and drink prior to your test and will be able to return to normal activities immediately following your test.
Exam Results:
Your Heart Screening CT Scan will be read by a Board Certified Cardiac Radiologist.
Results are usually available within 24 hours. Once the results are transcribed and released by the Cardiac Radiologist, they will be sent to your doctor. You may obtain a copy of the report and a CD of your images for your files. You may arrange to pick up your copy or have it mailed to you by signing a release while you are at the center.
Be proactive about your health and call 770-956-STAR today to find out more about Heart Screenings.