When Is A Coronary Calcium Scan Not Used?

When Is A Coronary Calcium Scan Not Used?

Introduction

A coronary calcium scan, known simply as a heart scan most of the times, is a specialized X-ray scan that provides cardiologists with pictures of a patient’s heart that enables him/her to detect calcium-containing plaque in the arteries and determine if it may present any danger to the patient.

According to some leading cardiologists in Patna working at the top heart hospitals in Patna, plaque formation and growth in the heart’s arteries can lead to restriction or blockage of blood flow to the heart’s muscles. Cardiologists identify any possibility of coronary artery disease (CAD) by measuring the amount of calcified plaque via a heart scan in advance before a person even experiences any signs or symptoms.The tests results will determine whether any medication or lifestyle changes are needed to reduce the patient's heart attack risk or the risk of other heart problems.

When Is A Coronary Calcium Scan Not Used?

However, there are times when a coronary calcium scan is not used on a patient. A heart scan involves an exposure to radiation. While this exposure is generally considered safe, there is no point to exposing a person to even a small level of radiation without any benefit. Simply put, when it is apparent that the scan will not provide any information which will be useful to the doctor in defining the patient's risk or directing a patient’s treatment plan, there is no point of risking radiation exposure. Thus, the heart scan is not recommended for the following people:

·       Males under the age of 40 and females under the age of 50. This is so because detectable calcium is not likely present in ages younger than these.

·       Individuals at a comparatively low risk, for whom detectable calcium is highly unlikely.People with no family history of heart attacks at early age.

·       Individuals whose high risk is already apparent.The heart scan is unlikely to be of any benefit and is thus irrelevant and unnecessary.

·       Individuals already suffering from symptoms or individuals already diagnosed with heart disease.The procedure is of no use to doctors as it provides no opportunity for better understanding the disease’s progression or its risk.

·       Individuals who’ve already have had this test previously.

The heart specialists in Patna are some of the most efficient cardiologists in the areas of Bihar and Jharkhand. It would do you well to visit them in case of any sort of cardiac problems.