Schedule Your Screening Today
Now available at a reduced rate of $99 for self-pay patients.
Schedule your coronary calcium screening today by calling 201-447-8200.
An important part of heart health is getting regular coronary calcium CT scans. Here at Valley, we take pride in delivering top of the line heart care, and that includes encouraging these scans for at-risk patients for early detection of potential heart issues.
What is a Coronary Calcium CT Scan?
A coronary calcium CT scan is a painless, non-invasive test that can help assess the location and extent of plaque build-up in the coronary arteries – a marker for heart disease – before symptoms develop. In time, plaque can lead to coronary occlusion, a dangerous narrowing and/or blockage of the coronary arteries, which can result in a heart attack.
How Does a Coronary Calcium CT Scan Work?
A calcium-scoring computed tomography (CT) scan, is used to detect calcium deposits in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. Patients are assigned a calcium score based on the amount of calcium present in the three coronary arteries. The goal of a calcium-scoring CT scan is to detect coronary artery disease at an early stage when there are no symptoms, and to determine its severity.
Note: CAC scoring is performed without any special preparation. No iodine containing contrast agent is administered for the test.
Scoring
A coronary CT calcification screening report assigns a numerical value to indicate the absence or presence of calcium in the coronary arteries.
If there is presence of coronary calcification, then aggressive risk factor modification for preventing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events such as myocardial infarction, stroke, and death from coronary heart disease maybe be performed by your doctor.
Who Should Get Tested?
This screening is typically recommended for patients with risk factors for coronary artery disease, such as:
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cigarette smoking
- Being overweight or obese
- High cholesterol levels
- Being physically inactive
Schedule a Coronary Calcium Screening
A prescription from your physician is required for the screening. For more information or to make an appointment, call 201-447-8200.
