| Assessing for coronary artery plaque
The HeartReach calcium-scoring exam enables your physician to identify and quantify the overall amount of calcified plaque present, as well as to determine precisely which coronary arteries are affected. The exam is performed on a multidetector CT scanner with a special software package, typically takes less than 15 minutes and requires no needles or contrast (dye) injection. You may "come as you are" as the test requires no special preparation. Standard EKG leads will be attached to your chest so that the CT scanner knows when to acquire information during the most favorable part of the heartbeat. In order to obtain the sharpest pictures possible, you will be asked to hold your breath for a short period of time while the images are actually being obtained. After your test is completed, it will be interpreted by a Radiologist from Lexington Radiology Associates and a report will be mailed to you as well as to your personal physician.
Frequently asked questions
Why should I have a HeartReach exam?
As mentioned earlier, the detection of calcified plaque may be an indicator of significant unsuspected cardiovascular disease. Those individuals with positive scores should consult with their personal physicians to determine if additional investigation is indicated or if lifestyles should be modified. As an added benefit, the HeartReach package includes blood pressure check as well as a complete cholesterol screening at no extra charge. The cholesterol screening will require you to fast at least 12 hours prior to the blood draw.
How do I obtain a HeartReach test?
Call 358-6120 to set up an appointment. The exam is performed in the Department of Radiology at LMC-Lexington
What if I don't have a personal physician?
A physician order is required. Please call 358-6120 for more details.
What if my report is positive and I don't have a personal physician?
If your report is positive, you are strongly encouraged to see a physician. Although this can be the doctor of your choice, the physicians of Medical Center
Internists (Drs. Ray Diamond, David Ha, Radek Masner, Elizabeth Mathias, Christine Scott-Demonbreun, Thomas Seastrunk and Stephen Watkins) have agreed to accept new HeartReach patients for further medical evaluation and counseling. Their phone number is
791-2985.
What should I do if my report is negative?
Given that no non-invasive test can guarantee the absence of heart disease, if your test is negative, it is unlikely that you will have a heart attack in the next 2 to 5 years. Continue to see your physician for regular check ups and maintain healthy lifestyle habits by eating wisely, avoiding tobacco products and getting regular exercise.
Are you at risk for heart disease?
If you are a male age 45 or older or a female age 55 or older, ask yourself these questions:
- Do you have high cholesterol?
- Do you smoke?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Do you have high blood pressure?
- Do you have a family history of heart disease?
(father or brother affected before age 55; mother or sister affected before age 65)
- Are you overweight?
- Are you physically inactive?
If you answered yes to two or more questions, you may benefit from the HeartReach
coronary artery scoring exam. Take care of yourself and schedule one today.
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