Early Detection Of Heart Disease
According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in Arkansas. Unfortunately, there are usually no obvious outward signs or symptoms until you have a heart attack. Historically, testing has been an expensive and cumbersome process until now.
Baxter Health is proud to offer cardiac calcium screenings to help detect heart disease in our patients, and for a limited time, the screening is being offered at a special price of $99. This cost-effective testing provides a greater chance that heart disease can be slowed, stopped or reversed if identified earlier in the process.
To schedule a screening or for more information, call (870) 508-7000.
What is a Cardiac Calcium Screening?
A cardiac calcium screening is a test for people at risk for heart disease who do not have symptoms. The test uses computed tomography (CT) to check for calcium buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen. Calcium in these arteries is a sign of heart disease.
During the test, a CT scanner takes pictures of your heart in thin sections. The result is a score based on the amount of calcium seen on the pictures. The higher your calcium score, the higher your risk for coronary artery disease. The test takes about 15 minutes and emits low levels of radiation.
What Do the Results Mean?
Your calcium score screening result is represented as a number, which can range from 0 to more than 400. The higher the score, the greater your chances of having coronary artery disease compared to people with similar risk factors. After you have the test, talk with your doctor about the results.
Your results from a Cardiac Calcium Screening can give your doctor more information about your risk for heart disease, especially if you already have risk factors. If your score is high, for example, your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower these risks. A high score may also lead to other tests and treatment that could help you avoid a heart attack. If you are concerned as to whether you should undergo a cardiac calcium screening, speak with your physician.
$99 Cardiac Calcium Screening Includes:
- Risk Evaluation: Assess risk factors and the risk of heart disease
- Body Composition: Body Mass Index (BMI) and measure of body fat percentage
- Blood Pressure Evaluation
- CT Heart Scan to assess hard calcium deposits
- Resting Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Carotid Artery Screening
- Peripheral Vascular Screening
- Lipid Panel Blood Test: Total Cholesterol, HDL, LDL, and Triglycerides
- Hemoglobin A1C Blood Test: Diabetes Screening
Eligibility Guidelines for Testing
Consider having a Cardiac Calcium Screening if you:
- Are a women who is 45+ or postmenopausal
- Are a man who is 40+
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes
- Have used tobacco
- Are sedentary or overweight
You should NOT have this screening if you:
- Have been previously diagnosed with Coronary Artery Disease or have an established relationship with a cardiologist
- Have had stents placed or cardiac bypass surgery
- Have had a CT Calcium Score test performed in the past 5 years
- Weigh more than 440 pounds
To schedule a Cardiac Calcium Screening or for more information, call (870) 508-7000 today!
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