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HeartScan (Electron Beam Coronary Calcium Scoring)
 This non-invasive test is a CT Scan procedure that produces transverse (cross-sectional) pictures through the heart region of the chest, and depicts the presence and amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. By measuring the amount of calcium that builds up in the coronary arteries, so called "hardening" of the arteries, Electron Beam CT (EBCT) predicts the likelihood of subsequent cardiovascular events in people with no symptoms. This test has promise of providing early detection of disease in the coronary arteries of asymptomatic persons, especially those who have multiple other risk factors.
The Importance of Coronary Calcification
· Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in America and the lifetime risk of developing it is approximately one in two for men and one in three for women.
· Once chest pain has developed, a coronary artery stenosis of 70% or greater is usually present. Unfortunately, the majority of patients suffering a myocardial infarction are found to have coronary plaque of only moderate severity (30-50%).
· Also, nearly one third of active ischemic events may be silent without significant cardiovascular symptoms.
· With EBCT, early detection and quantification of atherosclerotic burden can identify asymptomatic persons at high risk so that early preventative measures may be recommended.
Clinical Utility of Electron Beam CT
Coronary artery scanning is clinically useful for primary care physicians.
The principal indications and utility are:
· To screen low-moderate risk asymptomatic adults, ages 35-79 years of age.
· To target aggressive decision-making in high-risk asymptomatic individuals (diabetics, significant hyperlipidemia, or strong family history of coronary artery disease for example).
· To monitor the response to lipid lowering therapy or other risk factor modifications in patients with established atherosclerosis.
· To rule out coronary artery disease in patients with atypical chest pain and a low-moderate pretest likelihood for ischemia.
· To reduce the rate of unnecessary angiography in patients with equivocal or suspected false positive treadmill tests.
· To help determine ischemic vs. non-ischemic etiology of patients with newly diagnosed cardiomyopathy.
Below are a few preparation instructions for your HeartScan appointment.
Appointment Length: Please plan to spend up to one hour at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
Paperwork: You will need to fill out paperwork including demographics and a health questionnaire to help us get to know a little bit about you and what (if anything) puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time to complete this paperwork.
Cholesterol: Included in the EBCT price is a cholesterol test. *This will be done if you have not had your cholesterol checked in the past 90 days and have had nothing to eat or drink for 12 hours. (Includes gum, mints, flavored water or anything containing a sweetner.) Plain drinking water IS acceptable.
Medications: Please take medications as you normally would, only take them with plain water.
Exam: You will be required to hold your breath for two scans (pictures). Each will last 10 to 45 seconds.
Special Needs: If you have any special needs, please inform the staff at the time of scheduling. We will be able to allot extra time to meet your health care needs or have special equipment ready.
Results: After your scan is complete, the technologist will prepare your paperwork and images for a radiologist and cardiologist to review. A report will be generated and printed. You will receive two reports in the mail and one will be filed in your electronic medical records with Allina Hospitals and Clinics. This process may take up to 14 days to complete.
Contact Us: You may contact us at 612-863-3500 or email Mary.Corlett@allina.com.
Billing/Other Information: Patient may "self-refer," meaning a doctor's order is NOT necessary. We will bill your insurance company first. Then, the most you would be required to pay is $275.
HeartScan Minnesota is located in Abbott Northwestern Hospital, near the radiology department. When you arrive at Abbott Northwestern Hospital, go to the hospital's main entrance and check in at the admitting desk. (Choose from the following links to view maps and directions or a campus guide.)
For this test you, will lie down on the scanner bed, and a technologist will put electrodes on your chest. It's a safe, simple, painless technique. There are no injections and no needles. The technologist will ask you to hold your breath up to one minute while the scanner captures the images of your heart and other organs. The scan itself takes about ten minutes.
After the procedure a HeartScan physician will interpret the scan, and you will receive the results by mail within two weeks. If your primary care physician referred you, a copy will be sent to your doctor as well. When the test is complete you may leave without restrictions. The total radiation is about the same as getting 3-5 x-rays.
How to Refer Patients or Schedule a HeartScan
Physician clinics may call HeartScan Minnesota at 612-863-3500 and schedule an appointment for their patient. Patients may also self-refer for this test by calling the same number. We will bill insurance companies for this test, but it is best if patients contact their insurance company to inquire if they will consider payment for this test prior to the appointment. If patients want to pay for the test themselves, the cost will be $275 paid at the time of the appointment by cash, check or any credit card.
Physicians: Click here for more information to help you better understand EBCT.
Research
Since inception, our group has been dedicated to following patients after scanning. We have extensively collected conventional risk factor data, stress testing results, lifestyle change information on our patients. Information has been presented at multiple national meeting including the American College of Cardiology.
Choose the following link for more information on current cardiac imaging research studies in progress at MHI.
Additional Information
Please contact Heartscan Minnesota directly at 612-863-3500.
Click on the following to learn more about:
Other tests for this sub-specialty
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