topic Re: Heart calcium scoring test in Wellness

Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:32:06 GMT

This is a type of cat scan you have to pay for yourself. It measures calcium in the heart arteries.

Insurance does not cover it and it is around $150.00

Has anyone had this done. Is it of any value in an asymptomatic person in their late 60's?

Many thanks for your thoughts.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

hoosieroriginal — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:38:06 GMT

Yes, our hospital had a special for $99. It was easy and well worth the peace of mind. My calcium rating was only about 2% which made me feel pretty good. I had no heart symptoms, just heart problems in my family.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

Zhills — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:42:14 GMT

If you have calcium in your heart wouldn't you have it in your carotid arteries first? An Echocardiogram shows that.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

Shelbelle — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:51:46 GMT

We are on our 60's, my internist recommended it to me a few years ago just as a routine screening, I was hesitant. My DH asked his internist about it, and he said he could get much more info about his heart by sending him for a stress test, and does not recommend it routinely. Neither one of us had it done. A coworker of mine had it done because her dentist found a lot of extra calcium deposits in her teeth xrays, her heart was fine.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

hckynut — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 19:56:47 GMT

@wonderfulworld

I have had many heart tests, but never this scan. My 2 heart attacks were both caused by a 100% blocked Right Coronary Artery. My Cardiologist told me that while this is a good test, it does not detect "soft plaque".

He said with my genetics and personal history, this test would not have shown my particular problem. Only a Heart Cath would detect it, which is how the blockage was cleared via that and Stent Angioplasty.

For me it would not have been worth the time or the money. Other than that, there are some that might benefit from this, I really don't know. Back to, everyone is unique. And me personally? If you trust your Cardiologist, it might be the best for you.

hckynut(john)

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

hoosieroriginal — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:03:28 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
If you have calcium in your heart wouldn't you have it in your carotid arteries first? An Echocardiogram shows that.

@Zhills - I had only 2% in my heart, but 49% in only one carotid which I recently had done. I was shocked and it's quite confusing for me. Going to talk to dr about it. So everyone should get their carotids checked out.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:28:22 GMT

Thank you all for your replies.

I had both my carotid's done...no calcium. Very good results. But the Heart calcium scoring was kind of high.

I had them done at my request because of family history. The nurse said the heart was probably a 'false positive' since my cholesterol levels are so good and my carotid arteries were clear. My heart rate was pretty fast the tech said. Hard to get clear picture. I do not have a cardiologist (yet?) just my Internist who only ordered them at my request.

I am waiting to hear my Internist's recommendations.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 20:31:42 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
Thank you all for your replies.
I had both my carotid's done...no calcium. Very good results. But the Heart calcium scoring was kind of high.
I had them done at my request because of family history. The nurse said the heart was probably a 'false positive' since my cholesterol levels are so good and my carotid arteries were clear. My heart rate was pretty fast the tech said. Hard to get clear picture. I do not have a cardiologist (yet?) just my Internist who only ordered them at my request.
I am waiting to hear my Internist's recommendations.

ps...I don't want another as there is a fair amount of radiation in the heart scan. I know they are controversial and insurance will not pay for the test.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

Zhills — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 00:53:45 GMT

I'm sure every test has it's benefits.

My sister is a ARNP in preventative cardiology and she has never mentioned it.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 01:55:59 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
I'm sure every test has it's benefits.

My sister is a ARNP in preventative cardiology and she has never mentioned it.

How interesting. I bet she has lots of good advice and insights. Has she ever said what screening tests are useful?

Thank you for your reply.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

Zhills — Sat, 19 Aug 2017 00:38:26 GMT

Talked to my sister tonight and asked her your question. She said that there are no "bad" tests but to tell you to find a good cardiologist that has a lipidologist working with him/her and get established. With your family history of heart trouble and age, you have "risk factors" that would justify the tests and insurance should cover them.

She also said that plaque is not choosy, it will develop in any number of places in the body. My neighbor just had a blockage by plaque in her leg, not a clot, a narrowing of the artery! Had a stent put in. I would never have thought of that. And they have tests for that!

She said to tell you that you are very smart to be aware that you have risk factors and to find you a great cardiologist while you have time to do it. Most heart ploblems can be controlled today with proper tests and treatments. Good luck to you.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Sun, 20 Aug 2017 00:31:34 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
Talked to my sister tonight and asked her your question. She said that there are no "bad" tests but to tell you to find a good cardiologist that has a lipidologist working with him/her and get established. With your family history of heart trouble and age, you have "risk factors" that would justify the tests and insurance should cover them.

She also said that plaque is not choosy, it will develop in any number of places in the body. My neighbor just had a blockage by plaque in her leg, not a clot, a narrowing of the artery! Had a stent put in. I would never have thought of that. And they have tests for that!

She said to tell you that you are very smart to be aware that you have risk factors and to find you a great cardiologist while you have time to do it. Most heart ploblems can be controlled today with proper tests and treatments. Good luck to you.

Thank you so much for asking your sister. My Doctor has recommended that I consult with a Cardiologist too. He made a recommendation of one he thinks highly of.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

pinkmochi — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 18:46:36 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
If you have calcium in your heart wouldn't you have it in your carotid arteries first? An Echocardiogram shows that.

@wonderfulworld An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, so it would not show any narrowing of the carotid arteries. You would need a carotid ultrasound to check the carotids, which is done by a vascular ultrasound tech.

We regularly perform stress echoes (stress echocardiograms) on patients who have a high calcium score on the scan you mentioned. While not perfect (the angiogram is the gold standard for checking for blockages in the coronary arteries), it is up to 90% accurate and is a non-invasive way to look for significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

hckynut — Sun, 10 Sep 2017 21:55:13 GMT

@pinkmochi wrote:

We regularly perform stress echoes (stress echocardiograms) on patients who have a high calcium score on the scan you mentioned. While not perfect (the angiogram is the gold standard for checking for blockages in the coronary arteries), it is up to 90% accurate and is a non-invasive way to look for significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

@pinkmochi

When you say "stress echo" are you referring to a Lexiscan? I spent weeks on the Heart Floor of my 2nd home, and many of the patients would not be able to a "treadmill stress echo". Some could not even make it around the hall when walking with me, no way they would even get started on a walking "stress echo".

Prior to my most recent "treadmill stress echo", my 2 previous ones were done via Lexiscan. My life went well enough, for long enough, thus I was able to regain my physical fitness level that is in the upper percentile of 70-80 year olds. I am 78.

I had my long time Cardiologist order the Maximal Stress Echo Test. First wanted to make sure there were no underlying issues, and secondarily wanted to get my fitness level in relation to other healthy men in my age category. The bottom of my heart has been damaged by my 2 heart attacks, but it to this point hasn't impeded my ability to get and stay at a good fitness level(knock on wood it doesn't change soon".

Thanks for your input on this thread.

hckynut(john)

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

pinkmochi — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 05:33:11 GMT

@hckynut wrote:

@pinkmochi wrote:

We regularly perform stress echoes (stress echocardiograms) on patients who have a high calcium score on the scan you mentioned. While not perfect (the angiogram is the gold standard for checking for blockages in the coronary arteries), it is up to 90% accurate and is a non-invasive way to look for significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

@pinkmochi

When you say "stress echo" are you referring to a Lexiscan? I spent weeks on the Heart Floor of my 2nd home, and many of the patients would not be able to a "treadmill stress echo". Some could not even make it around the hall when walking with me, no way they would even get started on a walking "stress echo".

Prior to my most recent "treadmill stress echo", my 2 previous ones were done via Lexiscan. My life went well enough, for long enough, thus I was able to regain my physical fitness level that is in the upper percentile of 70-80 year olds. I am 78.

I had my long time Cardiologist order the Maximal Stress Echo Test. First wanted to make sure there were no underlying issues, and secondarily wanted to get my fitness level in relation to other healthy men in my age category. The bottom of my heart has been damaged by my 2 heart attacks, but it to this point hasn't impeded my ability to get and stay at a good fitness level(knock on wood it doesn't change soon".

Thanks for your input on this thread.

hckynut(john)

@hckynut Hi John,

No, a stress echo is a treadmill stress test in which ultrasound images of the heart (echo) are taken at rest, then the patient walks or runs on the treadmill, then images are immediately taken while the heart rate is over 85% (ideally). A Lexiscan is a nuclear stress test where patients are injected with a nuclear isotope. They're usually ordered for patients who are unable to walk on the treadmill sufficiently enough to reach the target heart rate.

I'm glad to hear that you're doing well now after two MIs!

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 13:08:43 GMT

I so appreciate everyone who commented.

I ended up having a Lexiscan but did walk on the treadmill. Several others who had the test that day were unable to walk so they received an injection that speeded up their hearts.

My cardiac fitness level was right smack in the middle of the above average range for my age group. I have walked for years and had no trouble with the treadmill. I am totally asymptomatic.

I had it last Thursday and was told I would hear right away if I needed an immediate heart cath. Otherwise, I would see the cardiologist in 3 weeks...my first appointment with him. My regular doctor ordered the Lexiscan so that would be out of the way. I had it at the cardiologist office. A big group with 4 offices.

My caratoid artery ultrasound was excellent. I am hoping the calcium scoring was a false alarm.

Thank you everyone!

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 13:14:47 GMT

@pinkmochi wrote:
@Zhills wrote:
If you have calcium in your heart wouldn't you have it in your carotid arteries first? An Echocardiogram shows that.
@wonderfulworld An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart, so it would not show any narrowing of the carotid arteries. You would need a carotid ultrasound to check the carotids, which is done by a vascular ultrasound tech.

We regularly perform stress echoes (stress echocardiograms) on patients who have a high calcium score on the scan you mentioned. While not perfect (the angiogram is the gold standard for checking for blockages in the coronary arteries), it is up to 90% accurate and is a non-invasive way to look for significant coronary artery disease (CAD).

Could you please answer a question for me....when I was given the prep instructions for the Lexiscan I was told absolutely no underwire bra.

That got me to thinking...I wore regular clothes and an underwire bra for the Calcium Scoring test and also my heart rate was kind of high. Could that have skewed the results.

Thank you so much for taking the time to consider my situation. I assume the Lexiscan with treadmill gives a more accurate picture than the Calcium Scoring Test?

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

Trinity11 — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 21:59:05 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
I so appreciate everyone who commented.

I ended up having a Lexiscan but did walk on the treadmill. Several others who had the test that day were unable to walk so they received an injection that speeded up their hearts.
My cardiac fitness level was right smack in the middle of the above average range for my age group. I have walked for years and had no trouble with the treadmill. I am totally asymptomatic.
I had it last Thursday and was told I would hear right away if I needed an immediate heart cath. Otherwise, I would see the cardiologist in 3 weeks...my first appointment with him. My regular doctor ordered the Lexiscan so that would be out of the way. I had it at the cardiologist office. A big group with 4 offices.
My caratoid artery ultrasound was excellent. I am hoping the calcium scoring was a false alarm.

Thank you everyone!

I think you should check with your doctor. The Lexiscan test is without exercise. It is specifically designed for those who cannot exercise. Did you have a nuclear scan? They are only a certain percentage accurate as I had one right before I had a massive coronary in the left anterior descending artery...the widowmaker. It did not show up on the nuclear scan.

Do not wish to scare you but the gold standard is a cardiac catherization.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

wonderfulworld — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 00:48:36 GMT

@Trinity11 wrote:
@wonderfulworld wrote:
I so appreciate everyone who commented.

I ended up having a Lexiscan but did walk on the treadmill. Several others who had the test that day were unable to walk so they received an injection that speeded up their hearts.
My cardiac fitness level was right smack in the middle of the above average range for my age group. I have walked for years and had no trouble with the treadmill. I am totally asymptomatic.
I had it last Thursday and was told I would hear right away if I needed an immediate heart cath. Otherwise, I would see the cardiologist in 3 weeks...my first appointment with him. My regular doctor ordered the Lexiscan so that would be out of the way. I had it at the cardiologist office. A big group with 4 offices.
My caratoid artery ultrasound was excellent. I am hoping the calcium scoring was a false alarm.

Thank you everyone!
I think you should check with your doctor. The Lexiscan test is without exercise. It is specifically designed for those who cannot exercise. Did you have a nuclear scan? They are only a certain percentage accurate as I had one right before I had a massive coronary in the left anterior descending artery...the widowmaker. It did not show up on the nuclear scan.

Do not wish to scare you but the gold standard is a cardiac catherization.

Good luck with everything and keep us posted.

Trinity11, thank you for your reply. I did have a nuclear stress test, I hope it shows the cardiologist what he needs to know. I have an appointment with him in two and a half weeks.

I hope you have made a good recovery from your heart attack.

Re: Heart calcium scoring test

hckynut — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 15:01:35 GMT

@Trinity11

Your statement about the Heart Cath is something everyone undergoing tests on all their heart functions, needs to know. Like you, there are times I don't particularly like to say certain things on this forum. I too never want to scare anyone, but there are times, it is better to say things these individuals should definitely know.

There was nothing in any tests given me that indicated I was going to have a heart attack. And I am one that had numerous "Treadmill Maximal Stress Tests", many of which included the Pulmonary Cart that measures Oxygen In/Carbon Dioxide Out.

Those extras showed my excellent Pulmonary and Cardiovascular Fitness levels, which were always towards the upper percentages for my age groups fitness levels. Even though those many Maximal Stress Tests came out great, I still have had, like yourself, 2 heart attacks, but not near as severe as yours.

I hope you can continue to get the treatments you need after what you have been through with that doctor and your stent situation. It is easy for me to relate to the mental challenges of these very serious types of health issues. If you feel you need help with that aspect of what many suffer when they have a heart attack, please get what sometimes is necessary for many with CAD.

My thoughts and hopes are always right there with you.

hckynut(john)