Radiology

Cardiac Scoring

This non-invasive test is painless and safe and is recommended whether or not you are at risk for heart disease. This evaluates and measures the calcium buildup in your coronary arteries, allowing your physician to calculate your risk of heart attack and to detect early blockage and dangerous cholesterol plaque buildup. This screening exam gives your physician the opportunity to take any preventive measures before these issues become life-threatening problems.

FACT Hudson Valley Hospital Center was the FIRST Hospital in the northern Westchester and Putnam County area to offer this state-of-the-art life saving screening. Cardiac Scoring (coronary calcium scoring) is a non-invasive, painless screening of the heart. The radiologists at Hudson Valley Hospital Center now utilize the 16-slice CAT Scan to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These are the critical blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the heart.

FACT It is estimated that 1.5 million people annually will suffer a heart attack in the United States. Cardiac scoring can detect coronary artery calcium in its early stages. Early detection permits the patient to make positive lifestyle changes, which may help to prevent or minimize further advancement of CAD (coronary artery disease). Presently, preventive therapies for heart disease include blood pressure and lipid control, a healthy diet, including more fruits and vegetables, regular exercise and, of course smoking cessation. These have all been proven to help decrease the risk of CAD.

FACT When calcium deposits build up, it causes the blood vessels to narrow, restricting blood and oxygen to the heart. Cardiac scoring screening exam is performed in just seconds. It is extremely accurate in detecting the presence as well as the extent of hard plaque. This plaque is the precursor of coronary heart disease (CAD). Prior to the advancement in CAT Scanning, it was extremely difficult to determine the very small calcium deposits, which are formed in the earliest stages of heart disease. Although with the Light Speed 16-sliced CAT Scan, even the smallest calcium deposits are easily visualized. Some of the risk factors associated with heart disease:

• Family history of coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High level of stress

Preparation
On the day of undergoing cardiac scoring exam, please be sure to abstain from caffeine and cigarette smoking for 4 hours before the screening.

Cost
The cost for a cardiac scoring screening is $368.00. HVHC accepts cash, checks, Visa and MasterCard. Payment is required at the time of the screening. You will need a prescription from your doctor for the screening. At this time, insurance plans do not cover the cost of this screening exam.

To schedule your appointment please called Hudson Valley Hospital Center at (914) 734-3674.