WELLNESS & WELL-BEING
minutes. Patients stay in their normal clothing (removing any jewelry),
have three EKG leads placed on their body, then lie still on the CT table.
The scan takes no more than five minutes once it begins. The results
are then sent to the patient’s doctor, and if there’s a need for follow-up,
doctors can offer treatments that may prevent further concerns.
Koclanes had an extremely high calcium score, 2,528, and was
immediately referred to a cardiologist. During that appointment,
the doctor learned Koclanes did have some shortness of breath with
exertion. The combination of the calcium score, shortness of breath, his
brother’s recent bypass surgery and family history resulted in a cardiac
catheterization, where he had two stents placed. Now he feels even
better than before and is thankful he had the test done.
“Looking back, I guess I had some symptoms that were likely related,”
Koclanes said. “I’m less winded and have better endurance now. I
went to a wedding reception a couple of weeks after the procedure
and danced the night away. I have learned the importance of diet and
exercise to keep my calcium from getting worse.”
Scans are recommended for anyone 45 and over with a family history
of certain risk factors, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol, smoking, peripheral vascular disease, more than ideal body
weight or diabetes.
“Typically, in asymptomatic patients, if the scan shows a calcium
buildup, the patient and physician work to actively manage risk factors
with aspirin and statin medications,” Schloss said. “It’s a simple, but
effective way to save lives over time.”
Koclanes definitely recommends the test to others. “I already told my
brother about it,” he said. “It was 100 percent worth it to know my risk
and learn how I can prevent a heart attack going forward.”
The score from the scan is based on the density and extent of
calcification.
• 0: Low risk
• 1-99: Moderately high risk
• 100-440: High risk
• Greater than 400: Very high risk
For more information or to register for a calcium score screening
visit mercy.net/stlheartscreening.
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