What is coronary artery disease?

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

If I’ve had a Stress test, do I need a HeartCam scan?

A treadmill stress test, or thallium stress test can only determine if you are in the advanced stages of coronary artery disease – that is, if your arteries are 70 percent blocked or greater. HeartCam detects heart disease at its earliest stage, before you have any symptoms and when you can do something about it.

Do I need a prescription for a HeartCam scan?

Yes. HeartCam is required by law to have a prescription for each patient. If you currently do not have a physician or your physician is not familiar with the HeartCam EBCT scan, please call us at 215-662-LIFE (5433) and we can help you with a referral.

Is there a weight limit for the HeartCam scan?

Yes. You must be under 300 lbs to schedule a HeartCam scan.

Is it worth the cost to get a HeartCam scan?

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

Sadly, 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. It’s especially important if you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors.

What is a “Coronary Calcium Score”?

Coronary calcification is a marker for coronary plaque and typically appears years before any symptoms of heart disease. When you are scanned at HeartCam, the technician determines the quantity and location of any calcium in your coronary arteries. Scores can range from zero to numbers into the thousands. The higher your score, the higher risk you have for heart disease. You are also ranked against other people your age and gender to determine which “risk percentile” you fall into. In general, as you age, it is natural to build up some degree of calcification in your cororany arteries. The key is catching any build up and treating it early, before you have symptoms of heart disease.

What does it mean for asymptomatic individuals to have a “Calcium Score”?

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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 EBCT 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 scan for the early detection of heart disease. Just consult the risk factors and call to request an appointment. Additionally, your physician may refer you to HeartCam due to your risk factors. 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, can advance at the rate of about 25 percent a year and in many cases, much faster. Clinical studies have shown the importance of tracking your plaque progression year to 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 will coronary artery scanning impact the diagnosis and treatment of CAD in the future?

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