Procedure: Coronary Artery Scan
 Purpose: To detect and measure coronary calcium, the marker for atherosclerosis (the accumulation of plaque in the blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart muscle).
For whom appropriate: Men 35 or older and women 40 or older. Younger individuals with any of the following risk factors should also be considered:
- High Blood Pressure
- High cholesterol
- Diabetes
- History of tobacco use
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight or obese
- Family History of heart disease
- Significant emotional or job-related stress
- Other vascular disease
Significance:
- Heart disease kills more American men and women than any other disease.
- For 150,000 Americans each year, the first and only sign of coronary disease is a fatal heart attack. This means they had no symptoms, their cholesterol levels were normal, they weren't smokers, nothing abnormal had ever been uncovered in their periodic physical exams and stress tests, etc. Then one day, they succumbed unexpectedly to a fatal heart attack, much to the despair of their families and loved ones.
- Heart Disease is a very treatable condition, provided the condition of the coronary arteries is known. Frequently the treatment consists of nothing more than modifications in diet and exercise habits. Sometimes, medication is necessary. Only in extreme situations is surgical intervention indicated.
Other Important Information:
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