Since I have several risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, my doctor recommended that I have a CT heart scan. While I had heard of a CT heart scan, I was not really familiar with exactly what a CT heart scan was or what benefit it provided.
What is it? Was it expensive? Invasive? What does it show? How will the results help me and my doctor? In other words, why should I have this test? Inquiring Mary wanted to know!
What is a CT heart scan?*
Research indicates that the coronary calcium scores provided by the CT heart scan are better in terms of predicting risk for heart disease than other diagnostic measurements, including HDL/LDL and total cholesterol count. The test score also provides a measurable, trackable risk index. A calcium score of zero indicates that you have no measurable calcium buildup in your arteries and therefore a low 5-year risk for heart disease. A higher score would indicate an increase in the risk level of a cardiac event.
It should be noted that the CT heart scan only detects calcified plaque, which is an indicator of heart disease. It will not detect soft plaque (non-calcified deposits). Soft plaque is also an indicator of heart disease.
Is it expensive?
That depends upon how you look at it. At the time that I had the CT heart scan, the test cost about $200, which as tests go, was relatively inexpensive. However, because it was considered a “preventative” diagnostic test, it was not covered by my insurance so I did have to pay for the test out-of-pocket. Texas has since passed a law requiring insurance companies in Texas to cover the cost of the CT heart scan for certain age groups and persons with certain risk factors.
Is it invasive?
Not at all. The entire test was quick, painless and non-invasive. The technician took brief history before beginning the test (ie. Do I smoke? If so, how much? Any family history of heart disease? High blood pressure? etc.). The test consisted of lying on my back comfortably (pillows and everything!) while the technician and I cracked jokes with one another. The entire procedure took less than 10 minutes. I didn’t even have to change clothes! (How cool is that?)
Was it worth it?
For me, yes, it was. I have several risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, including a strong family history of heart disease. The CT scan was able to provide my doctor with a clear picture of my “state-of-the-heart.” Understanding the current state of my heart was a key benefit to us in making a “next steps” decision in terms my heart health.
As with any newer technology, not everyone is on board with the use of the CT scan. Some concerns have been expressed regarding the exposure to radiation or that clinics that purchase the scanners will order unnecessary tests on their patients just to pay for the machine. The use of the CT scan also seems to be more accepted and prevalent in certain regions of the US (like the south) than other regions. Other physicians have expressed concern that the CT heart scan would lead to other unnecessary procedures. (I’m not sure I “buy” into this concern because doctors are the ones who order additional tests, not the CT scan tool. A doctor who abuses the results doesn’t negate the value of the tool!)
Whether or not a CT heart scan is the right preventative test for you is a decision that only you can make. Hopefully, this gives you some additional information for your decision-making toolbox!
Until next time, here’s wishing you a healthy heart…
(Disclaimer: I am not a physician and nothing in this article should be construed as giving medical advice. As with any medical decision, please consult your physician.)
*(NOTE: A CT heart scan should not be confused with a CT coronary angiography. These are two different tests with different results and different radiation exposure levels. I found the terms used interchangeably in many articles that I read in researching for this one but they are two different tests.)
Sources:
The Heart Hospital of Austin, http://www.hearthospitalofaustin.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1017
Dr. William Davis, A Victory for SHAPE, CT heart scans, and doing what is RIGHT, The Heart Scan Blog, 24 June 2009, http://heartscanblog.blogspot.com/2009/06/victory-for-shape-ct-heart-scans-and.html
Diagnosing Heart Disease With Cardiac Computed Tomography, WebMD, http://www.webmd.com/heart-disease/guide/ct-heart-scan
Add a Comment6 Comments
Hi Linda... Thanks so much for your post! I just read your article and don't think that I've ever had a phosphate level checked or even had the doctor mention that phosphate could be a contributing factor to heart disease. It definitely gives me something else to talk to the doctor about when I go in the next time.
Thanks for sharing this info with us! Mary
September 8, 2009 - 1:53pmThis Comment
I've always heard about cholesterol, but I was amazed to find that high phosphate contributes to cardiovascular disease. It triggers the formation of those calcified plaques. See
September 7, 2009 - 3:57pmhttps://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/09/07/phosphate-silent-stealthy-killer
Thanks for the information about CT scans!
This Comment
Hi Diane... I'm hoping diet/exercise will do the trick! I'd love to get to wear my "skinny" jeans again for the rest of my life! (I'm burning the fat jeans when I lose it.) Now, airbrushing away 20 years without using Photoshop may be a bigger challenge!
September 2, 2009 - 9:42amThis Comment
Hi Diane... My calcium scores came back "perfect" (no calcium deposits/plaque build-up) which was a relief! We were very concerned because I am overweight (aren't many of us?), have a family history of heart disease, have very high cholesterol (for YEARS!) and am already post-menopausal. It was a great to know that I didn't have any problems already brewing that I was not aware of! :-) Based on the results, we elected not to start one of the cholesterol lowering drugs and to try to control it via diet/exercise and to continue to monitor for future changes. I make a point to "move" (either swim/walk/kayak depending on the weather) at least 3 times a week and am working on the diet (down about 10 pounds). Hopefully, this will do the trick and eliminate a few of the risk factors! (If only I could move the clock back 20 years and eliminate the age one too!)
September 1, 2009 - 12:55pmThis Comment
Hey, Mary,
September 2, 2009 - 8:33amThanks for your answer. That's such good news!!! I also am overweight and working on it (have lost about 14 pounds so far), and I also have cholesterol that is higher than it should be. I think it's great that you might be able to control your risks with diet and exercise alone. That's a win-win situation, isn't it?
Now, if you figure out how to turn back that clock, be sure to let us know...
This Comment
Mary,
Fabulous post! I didn't know exactly what a CT scan was. Will you add or change anything to your diet/exercise routine due to your results?
September 1, 2009 - 9:25amThis Comment