What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is a narrowing of the coronary arteries usually caused by a buildup of "calcified" plaque on the walls of the arteries. This plaque is an early warning for heart disease. Coronary heart disease is America’s No. 1 killer.

Do you believe coronary artery scanning is cost effective?

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Why would I have a HeartCam scan when I am healthy and have no symptoms?

Unfortunately half of all heart attacks occur in people who are healthy and without symptoms. Many of these people die of their heart attack. Early detection of heart disease is the best defense against it.

What is the significance of coronary calcium in asymptomatic individuals?

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Is the HeartCam scan safe?

Yes. There are no injections and no need for dye. The patient receives only a minimal amount of radiation during the test, similar to a couple of x-rays. The EBCT scanner is "open" so there is no worry about claustrophobia. The EBT technology used in the HeartCam has been approved for use by the FDA.

Who should or should not have this HeartCam scan?

If you are male between 30 and 70 or female between 40 and 80, you may benefit from this diagnostic scan. Just consult the risk factors {<link to <risk factors>} and call to request an appointment. Additionally, your physician may refer you to HeartCam for a variety of diagnostic reasons. Patients with a history of heart attack, angioplasty or bypass surgery should not have the test unless a physician has referred them and is monitoring their care. Young adults are typically not recommended to undergo the scan unless there is a family history of heart disease or the young person already has a history of risk factors.

If there were only one non-invasive test for coronary artery disease, which would you prefer?

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How often should I have a HeartCam scan?

We recommend you repeat the HeartCam diagnostic scan annually because coronary calcification, the leading indicator of coronary artery disease, advances at the rate of about 25 percent a year.

If the HeartCam scan shows that I have no coronary calcification am I worry-free?

The absence of coronary calcification very strongly suggests that plaque is minimal and risk is very low. However, the HeartCam is an important new diagnostic tool, but it is not a definitive test for every kind of cardiac problem. If you began to exhibit symptoms of cardiac problems, despite a favorable HeartCam reading, be sure to seek medical attention.

How does HeartCam compare to a Stress test?

A treadmill stress test, or thallium stress test can only determine if your arteries are 70 percent blocked or greater. Thus, the stress test only reflects advanced stages of coronary artery disease. In contrast, the HeartCam detects coronary plaque at a much earlier stage, leading to preventive measures before symptoms or a heart attack develops.

How will coronary artery scanning impact the diagnosis and treatment of CAD in the future?

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