What is a Heart CT scan?

Heart CT scan is a form of the familiar CT (or CAT) scan, which captures cross-sectional images of the heart at sub-second rates. This unique CT technology allows the detection of small amounts of calcium in the coronary arteries.

With Heart CT Profile™, we can measure the build-up of plaque, if any, and compare it to the standard for your age and gender. This test, along with other indicators, presents an overall picture of your heart health. Together, this will help your physician develop an appropriate heart health plan.

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Is this like a MRI scan?

No. Heart CT Profile™ is conducted on a CT or CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) scanner. It is a quick, painless procedure. Unlike MRI, which uses a magnetic field and radio frequency waves to produce images, the CT scan uses x-ray. There is no need for sedation. The exam is very comfortable and there are no enclosed areas in the scanner.

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Four EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest to obtain the images at the proper cycle of your heartbeat. You will be asked to hold your breath during the scan. Your heart rate will determine how many seconds you will need to hold your breath. The scan itself takes approximately 1 minute. After your scan is completed, a health care professional will share more information with you about the scoring process and answer any questions you might have. Several days after your exam, you will receive a written report from a physician that explains the results in easy-to-understand terms.

Heart CT Profile™ is just one piece of valuable information in diagnosing your likelihood of coronary atherosclerosis. Combined with additional information, including family history, lifestyle factors and other medical history, this test will help your physician develop an appropriate medical plan for you.

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Do you have any special programs?

Yes, we offer two different incentive programs:  the Companion Program and the Corporate Program.  Each program is further defined below.

Companion Program.  A $25 discount on your exam is available through our Companion Program for two or more people who schedule their exams together (spouses, partners, friends, relatives or business associates; these don't need to be scheduled the same day).

Corporate Program.  CMC is designed to help keep employees healthy and on the job. If you are interested in knowing more about the discount available to companies, call CMC.

Coronary Heart Disease is the leading cause of premature, permanent disability in the U.S. labor force, accounting for 19 percent of disability allowances by the Social Security Administration. In 1996, the average cost of a coronary event from hospital admission to discharge, for people under age 65, was $22,720, and the average length of stay was 4.3 days.

If you think you and your company are already paying too much for health care premiums, think what an employee population at a high risk for heart attacks could do to your rates.

The American Heart Association estimates that the total cost of all cardiovascular disease in 1998 will exceed $274 billion -- more than half that amount, $147 billion, will be attributable to coronary artery disease alone. Approximately 35 percent of that will be direct medical expenses. The remaining cost ($96 billion) will result from the indirect impact of lost productivity, morbidity and mortality on businesses and families.

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Where can I learn more about my heart?

For more information, you can make the following connections:

Center for Diagnostic Imaging

www.cdiradiology.com

American Heart Association

A very comprehensive site for fighting heart disease and stroke. The AHA is a not-for-profit, voluntary health organization funded by private funds whose mission is to reduce disability and death from cardiovascular diseases and stroke. These include heart attack, stroke, and related disorders.

www.americanheart.org

Heart Information Network

Uniquely designed from the perspective of the heart patient, HeartInfo is an autonomous site providing a wide range of information and services to heart patients and others interested in lowering risk factors for heart disease.

www.heartinfo.org

InteliHealth

InteliHealth, one of the leading health information companies in the world, is a joint venture of Aetna U.S. Healthcare(R) and Johns Hopkins University and Health System. This site provides "consumerized" health information from more than 150 top health care organizations around the country.

www.intelihealth.com

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