February is American Heart Month, an ideal time to focus on heart health and ways to reduce the risk of heart disease. One valuable tool in identifying potential heart issues before symptoms arise is a coronary artery calcium screening. This quick and painless computed tomography (CT) scan measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, offering insights into an individual’s heart health. A CT scan uses X-ray technology and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body’s structures, offering more informative and detailed images.
“The presence of calcium is an early sign of heart disease,” explained Dr. Jane Souther, cardiologist with Blount Memorial Physicians Group - Cardiology. “Detecting these deposits before symptoms occur allows patients to take proactive steps to prevent future problems and promote overall cardiac health.”
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a leading cause of heart attacks. CAD occurs when plaque, which is made up of fat, cholesterol and calcium, builds up and narrows the arteries. This buildup can reduce blood flow to heart muscle, and a complete blockage of blood flow can produce a heart attack. A coronary artery calcium screening can detect these calcium deposits and generate a “calcium score,” a critical measure that helps assess the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attack.
“This test is particularly useful for people at an intermediate risk for heart disease,” Souther said. “These are individuals who may have one or more risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, tobacco use or a strong family history of premature coronary disease. The calcium score, when combined with other health information, can help guide decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes.”
While the test can provide valuable information for those with moderate risk, it is not recommended for everyone. “A calcium score is not helpful for individuals at very low or very high risk for heart attacks,” Souther noted. “For instance, younger individuals with normal cholesterol and blood pressure, non-smokers, and who have no strong family history of coronary disease have a heart attack risk of less than 10 percent, making the test unnecessary. Similarly, if you’ve already had a heart attack or have undergone treatments like angioplasty or coronary artery bypass surgery, the calcium score won’t provide additional insights.”
Coronary artery calcium screenings are available at Blount Memorial Hospital and East Tennessee Medical Group. These tests are self-pay at a cost of $120, with no insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid coverage accepted. The process is straightforward and takes approximately five minutes to complete.
For individuals with intermediate risk or those experiencing chest discomfort, a calcium score could be an important step in understanding heart health. By identifying risks early, patients can work with their health care providers to create a personalized plan for prevention and treatment.
To schedule a coronary artery calcium screening, call Blount Memorial Hospital’s Radiology department at 865-981-2288. For more information about heart health or to schedule a cardiology appointment, contact Blount Memorial Physicians Group — Cardiology in suite 162 at 865-238-6161 or Blount Memorial Physicians Group — Cardiology in suite 349 at 865-238-6270.
