Technology for Better Heart Health
As part of our commitment to proactive cardiac care, we offer Smart Score 4.0 calcium scoring, a state-of-the-art technology designed to evaluate the presence of calcium in your coronary arteries. This simple CT scan, performed in an outpatient setting, lets your healthcare provider assess your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Our experienced team uses this non-invasive diagnostic tool to help both you and your provider make informed decisions about your cardiovascular health.
The calcium score test is particularly helpful for individuals between the ages of 40 and 70 with moderate risk factors, such as family history, tobacco use, high cholesterol, or excess fat in the abdominal region.
Why Monroe Surgical?
- Cutting-edge Technology: Our facility uses the latest Smart Score 4.0 system for accurate evaluation of cardiac calcium.
- Comprehensive Services: In addition to the Calcium Score Test, we offer Coronary CT Angiograms (CCTA) to assess potential blockages in coronary arteries.
- Professional Team: Our experienced healthcare professionals are committed to providing precise and personalized care.
- Efficiency and Comfort: We carry out procedures swiftly and with minimal intrusion, helping patients return promptly to regular activities.
Preparing for Your Visit
Before
- Give your healthcare provider details of any allergies, medications, and/or pregnancy status.
- Don't eat or drink, including anything with caffeine, or tobacco for four hours before the test.
Prep
- You will lie on your back on a specialized table that slides into a donut-shaped scanner.
- Three small areas on your chest will be cleaned, and possibly shaved, by a healthcare provider.
- Electrode patches will be applied to these areas, connecting to an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor. This monitors your heart's electrical activity during the test, ensuring precise synchronization with your heartbeat for accurate imaging.
During
- You will feel the table under you move inside the scanner.
- You will be able talk to and hear the person operating the machine in another part of the room.
- The high-speed CT scan will capture multiple images, synchronized with your heartbeat. (You might need to hold your breath for 10 to 20 seconds.)
- A sophisticated computer program will analyze the images for any calcium that might be present in your coronary arteries.
After your calcium scoring test, you may continue all normal activities and eat as usual.
After Your Test
Depending on the results, your healthcare provider might suggest:
- Statin (medication) therapy for cholesterol management
- Lifestyle modifications, including exercise and dietary adjustments
- Additional diagnostic tests or follow-up appointments
We Are Your Partner in Cardiovascular Wellness
At Monroe Surgical, our diagnostic tools and procedures empower both you and your healthcare provider to make informed decisions. Talk to your provider about whether a Calcium Score Test or Coronary CT Angiogram is a proactive measure you should take to safeguard your heart health.