The HMG Healthy Heart Gift Card is a way individuals can provide the revolutionary Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring heart scan for those they love - or use the technology for themselves!  For $99, users are entitled to a Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring scan and the subsequent interpretation by a radiologist.  The results will be provided to your referring physician or physician of choice.

What is Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring?

A Cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall.  It’s an excellent predictor of whether someone may be heading toward a future heart event.

The most dangerous calcium plaque begins as a tiny boil or pimple and forms as the result of LDL cholesterol moving into the wall of the artery where it attracts white blood cells or pus cells.  The LDL movement is made worse by diabetes, high blood pressure, high triglycerides and smoking.  The pus produces inflammation and may cause a high c-reactive protein.  This tiny collection of pus and cholesterol ruptures into the artery, causing a blood clot—potentially causing a heart attack if the clot is large enough to block the artery.

Each rupture produces a small dot of calcium on the artery of the wall.

A Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring is a quick, non-invasive Cardiac CT scan that can quickly identify the number of plaque ruptures an individual has had.  An individual’s calcium score is based on the number of plaque ruptures, evidenced by calcium, revealed within the scan.

What is the goal of Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring?

The goal of cardiac CT for calcium scoring is to determine the amount of calcium or plaque present—even for persons who do not have any symptoms.  It is a screening that may be recommended by a physician for patients with risk factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD).

The major risk factors for CAD are:

• abnormally high blood cholesterol levels
• a family history of heart disease
• diabetes
• high-blood pressure
• cigarette smoking
• being overweight or obese
• being physically inactive

How should I prepare?

No special preparation is necessary. You may continue to take your usual medications, but should avoid caffeine and smoking for 4 hours prior to the exam.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.

What is the exam like?

The entire procedure, including the actual CT scanning, is usually completed within 10 to 20 minutes.  During the scan, you will be asked to hold your breath for a period of 20 to 30 seconds while the images are recorded.  When the exam is complete, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are high enough quality for the best interpretation.  After the exam, you can return to your normal activities.  Learn more about CT scanning.

Who interprets the results?  How do I get them?

One of our radiologists will interpret your results and then send a report to your primary care or referring physician who will then discuss the results with you. 

What do the scores mean?