What are the risk factors for heart disease?
- Age. Aging increases your risk of damaged and narrowed arteries and weakened or thickened heart muscle.
- Gender. Men are generally at greater risk of heart disease. However, women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Family history. A family history of heart disease increases your risk of coronary artery disease, especially if a parent developed it at an early age (before age 55 for a male relative, such as your brother or father, and 65 for a female relative, such as your mother or sister).
- Smoking. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, and carbon monoxide can damage their inner lining, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis. Heart attacks are more common in smokers than in nonsmokers.
- Poor diet. A diet that’s high in fat, salt, sugar and cholesterol can contribute to the development of heart disease.
- High blood pressure. Uncontrolled high blood pressure can result in hardening and thickening of your arteries, narrowing the vessels through which blood flows.
- High blood cholesterol levels. High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of formation of plaques and atherosclerosis.
- Diabetes. Diabetes increases your risk of heart disease. Both conditions share similar risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
- Obesity. Excess weight typically worsens other risk factors.
- Physical inactivity. Lack of exercise also is associated with many forms of heart disease and some of its other risk factors, as well.
- Stress. Unrelieved stress may damage your arteries and worsen other risk factors for heart disease.
What is a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT?
A Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring is a screening for patients who do not have any symptoms and are at intermediate risk for heart disease.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible, you must be a male over age 45 or a female over age 55 and have the following:
- Current or former smoker
- High stress levels
- History of high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure
- Inactive or sedentary lifestyle
- Overweight or obese
- Personal or family history of heart disease
Do I have to have signs and symptoms of heart disease to get a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT?
No, actually on the contrary, a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT may allow your doctor to identify possible coronary artery disease BEFORE you have signs and symptoms.
Do I Need a Prescription from my Doctor?
Yes, a prescription from your doctor is required.
How much does this exam cost?
Windsong charges a discounted price for this exam, making it affordable even when not covered by insurance. Currently, the cost of the exam is $125. This is subject to change from the time this was written. Call 716.631.2500 to for more updated information.
What will a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT Scan help show?
Your doctor may order a heart scan to get a better understanding of your risk of heart disease or if your treatment plan is uncertain. Measuring calcified plaque with a Cardiac Calcium Scoring CT may allow your doctor to identify possible coronary artery disease before you have signs and symptoms.
