Cardiac Score Screening

Singing River Health System offers a simple, non-invasive test called the Cardiac Score Screening, also known as the calcium score screening. This heart screening can measure the build-up of plaque in the coronary arteries - the most likely cause of a heart attack. When the condition is caught early, changes in diet, lifestyle and medications may be enough to help with prevention.

The Cardiac Score Screening is simple, painless, and affordable. During the exam, the patient lies on a table, fully clothed and holds his or her breath for a few seconds while CT images of the heart are captured. The results are evaluated by a radiologist and will be available to your doctor within 24 hours.

Know Your Risk Factors

Your doctor uses the cardiac score screening heart scan to evaluate risk for future coronary artery disease or heart disease. Those at increased risk include individuals with the following traits:

•  family or personal history of coronary artery disease
•  male over 45 years of age, female over 55 years of age
•  past or present smoker
•  history of high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
•  overweight
•  inactive lifestyle

Because there are certain forms of coronary disease–such as “soft plaque” atherosclerosis – that escape detection during this CT scan, it is important to remember that this test is not absolute in predicting your risk for a lifethreatening event, such as a heart attack.

The Cardiac Score Screening, also known as Calcium Score Screening, has to be ordered by a physician. To find a doctor, call 228-497-7470. See the Cardiac Score Brochure for more information.