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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is Heartcheck - otherwise known as Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (Heartcheck Heartcheck is a new state-of-the-art method to non-invasively x-ray image the coronary arteries to look for signs of early Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) due to the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in the arteries of the heart. This technique involves the use of a High-Speed Gated CT (Computerised Tomography) scanner that rotates around the person. It does not involve injections, exercise or dye. "Gating" refers to the ability of the CT scanner to take images in between heartbeats so that there is no blurring of the image of the arteries of the heart due to movement. Within a few breath holds, very accurate images can be taken of the coronary arteries. This process detects coronary artery calcium if present and a score (Calcium Score) is calculated from the amount of calcium present. Most plaque contains approximately 20% calcium. The calcium score therefore is a useful indicator of how much plaque is present and whether CAD is developing.
2. What is atherosclerosis and what health risks does it pose? Atherosclerosis is the build up of fatty deposits in the lining of the arteries. This results in the formation of fatty plaques, a loss of elasticity of the arteries, and the development of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). These fatty plaques can then eventually rupture causing heart attack, severe angina or even death. Heart attack is the largest single cause of death for men and women. Over 30% will die suddenly without warning.
3. Is the disease treatable? Yes, the disease is treatable
at any stage. The earlier the treatment is commenced the better. There
are three objectives when managing atherosclerosis. As atherosclerosis can affect all of the coronary arteries, it is important that the treatment is aimed not just at one fatty plaque, but at the entire process. Treatment involves intensive lifestyle modification, intensive cholesterol lowering therapy, management of other risk factors such as high blood pressure and cigarette smoking and there is promising emerging evidence of the role of antioxidants both dietary and supplementary.
4. Can Heartcheck screening detect Coronary Artery Disease early? Yes. The benefit of a Heartcheck screen is that it can detect the build up of plaque signs before symptoms occur. Plaque starts being deposited in the wall of the artery long before it blocks the artery itself. High-Speed Gated CT in detecting early coronary artery disease, enables individuals to take modifying action before symptoms develop. Methods of directly and aggressively intervening in the progression of the disease can then be employed and results monitored over time.
Only 60% of people with heart disease have the traditional risk factors for coronary artery disease. CAD is a disease of genetics and lifestyle. You cannot be completely reassured that you will not have heart disease just because your cholesterol is normal, you don't smoke, have a normal blood pressure and exercise regularly. High-Speed GCCT is recommended if you are male over 40 years of age, female aged 50 years and over and have one or more of the following:
Up to two thirds of heart attacks originate from blockages in the arteries of less than 50%. Stress testing only detects blockages where the artery is narrowed by at least 50%. In other words, stress testing can only diagnose the latter stages of atherosclerotic disease and fails to diagnose a very significant number of people who are at risk of a heart attack. Heartcheck screening detects calcium fatty plaque buildup in its early stages, before significant damage to the arteries occurs.
No. These two tests provide two different types of information. Heartcheck screening more accurately determines who will need an angiogram. High-Speed GCCT detects coronary atherosclerosis, not coronary artery blockages. Coronary angiography is the gold standard for the diagnosis for obstructive CAD (blockages in the arteries). However, coronary angiography is not particularly sensitive at picking up early fat build up in the walls of the arteries. This is the function of Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring.
8. I have already had an angiogram/stenting/coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Is the test of any use to me? CAC Screening is a test for the diagnosis of CAD. If you have had a positive angiogram, a stent or CABG, your disease has already been confirmed and a Heartcheck scan is therefore of limited value. There are, however, some cases where Heartcheck may be of use for people who have had a stent and wish to know the progress of coronary disease in their other arteries. This, however, has not been validated in long-term scientific trials as to its utility and therefore would not be recommended as a routine procedure in patients with established, advanced coronary artery disease.
9. How long will it take to get the results and who will explain them? Your Calcium Score will be given and explained to you at the time of consultation. Ascot Radiology Heartcheck recommends that you consult your GP or referring specialist about the significance of your score in relation to your overall health picture and risk factors.
10. Do I need a referral from my General Practitioner or specialist? A referral is required for the Heart Check, and we encourage discussion of this technique with your General Practitioner and/or Cardiologist. A full report is sent to your doctor.
11. What does a Heartcheck screen cost? As the High-Speed GCCT is a screening test there is no rebate under current private health insurance cover. The Heartcheck scan costs $550. For Heartcheck screening as part of a more comprehensive assessment including physical examination, blood pressure, cholesterol and other blood testing, please consult your GP or Specialist.
12. Where is Heartcheck located? Heartcheck is a service
provided by Ascot Radiology at Ascot Integrated Hospital |