Cardiac Scoring is a fast screening procedure that measures the amount of calcium in the heart's arteries. Over time, calcium can quietly build up in the coronary arteries. Calcification can lead to blockages that could cause a heart attack or other problems.

Coronary artery calcium is a component of plaque, which is a marker for hardening of the arteries. Most people who have cardiac scoring do not have symptoms of heart disease but have worrisome risk factors.

During the cardiac scoring procedure, a patient, fully dressed, lies on a table that slides through a doughnut-shaped, ultrafast CT scanner. The scanner records detailed images of the heart in approximately two minutes and feeds information into a computer. The entire process takes only 15 minutes.

Following the procedure, a physician examines the images and evaluates areas of calcification in the arteries. The amount of calcification translates into a score. The score puts the patient into one of five risk categories, ranging from normal to high risk.

Thomas Hospital wants to see that you get the best care for your heart health. You will receive a report, a CD to view on your home computer and a report will be sent to your physician.

Cardiac Scoring requires a physician referral. To schedule your screening, call 279-1042.