Coronary Screening
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center offers a non-invasive screening designed for detection of coronary artery disease (CAD) before there are any clinical symptoms. The goal is to help those who are at a high risk for the disease, receive a diagnosis and
treatment at an early stage when it is easier to treat and intervene.
What is a Cardiac CT Scan?
A Cardiac CT Scan, also known as coronary artery calcium scoring, is a way of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque found in the coronary arteries. Since calcium is a marker of coronary artery disease, the calcium score
detected by the scan can be a helpful diagnostic tool.
Why is a Cardiac CT Scan Important?
Coronary artery disease is the most common type of heart disease, killing over 370,000 people annually. Plaque grows within the walls of the coronary arteries until the blood flow to the heart’s muscle is limited. It may be chronic, narrowing the
coronary artery over time, or can be acute, resulting from a sudden rupture of plaque and formation of a blood clot. Over time, the disease can lead to heart failure, an irregular heartbeat or an arrhythmia can develop. With advances in technology
and research, there are now effective ways to screen for coronary artery disease at its earliest stages.
Who Can Participate?
Those who may be eligible candidates and could benefit from this screening include:
- Men aged 45 years and older; women aged 55 and above, or who are postmenopausal
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Current or former smokers
- Individuals with abnormally high blood cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and/or diabetes
- Those who are overweight or physically inactive
A physician order is needed for a cardiac CT scan. If you feel you meet the screening guidelines and would like to make an appointment, please call central scheduling, at (561) 694-7163.
