The key to heart disease is early detection.  Ultrafast CT scanning is done in about 10 minutes with essentially no preparation.  It represents a significant advance in the non-invasive evaluation of blockages in the heart arteries.  The Smart Score CT scan is quick, easy, and a relatively inexpensive technique.

  
 
 
 

WHAT IS HEART DISEASE?

Heart disease is caused when arteries to the heart become blocked or narrowed.  This is called coronary artery disease.  Coronary atherosclerosis (blockages of the coronary arteries) is the major cause of death in this society.  It often exists in people who are thought to be at "low risk" of developing such problems. 

Heart attacks and sudden death may occur without warning.  Most cases develop in people with average risk factor profiles.  On the other hand, some people with "high risk" may never develop coronary disease.  Since the majority of heart attacks occur in areas that were only mildly narrowed before they suddenly close, finding the process early is key to identifying and preventing lethal events.
 

ARE YOU AT RISK?

  • Those with one or more significant risk factors for developing heart disease.  These factors include:
    SMOKING
    HIGH CHOLESTEROL
    HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
    DIABETES
    OBESITY
    35-65 YEARS OF AGE
  • Those with significant family history of heart disease or sudden death.

WHAT IS A SMART SCORE CT SCAN?

Ultrafast CT scanning is done in about 10 minutes with essentially no preparation.  It represents a significant advance in the non-invasive evaluation of blockages in the heart arteries. 

"Computed Tomography" (CT) scans are sophisticated x-ray examinations that have been used for decades to study the structures of the human body.  The heart's motion has been a major challenge preventing the utilization of this powerful technique in the study of heart disease.  Now, advanced scanning devices can reliably obtain multiple images with each pass, freezing the heart's continual motion.  The Ultrafast CT images calcium in the vessel wall that has been deposited as a result of the atherosclerotic process.  It is quick, easy, and a relatively inexpensive technique.
 

HOW IS A SMART SCORE CT SCAN DIFFERENT FROM OTHER TESTS FOR HEART DISEASE?

Techniques such as stress tests are useful, but only for discovering blockages that have progressed to the point where they cause a lack of blood supply to the heart.  These tests are not 100% accurate, and even advanced blockages may be missed.  Stress testing relies on having blockages that are sever enough to restrict blood flow under conditions of increased workload, and are incapable of finding early blockages - the very same blockages that may progress rapidly and cause a heart attack or sudden death.  Angiograms ("heart caths") can only find advanced plaques that have grown from the walls of the arteries and block the flow of blood.  These tests are expensive, time-consuming, and are associated with at least modest risk.

  
 

WHAT ARE THE COSTS INVOLVED?

Smart Score (Heart)........................................................

$375.00

Screening Lung Scan.......................................................

$375.00

Smart Score and Screening Lung Scan.............................

$575.00

Total Body Screening
(Scan from neck through pelvis)......................................

$950.00

Diagnostic CT Scans
(Physician Referred)

 
 

IS A REFERRAL FROM A PHYSICIAN NEEDED?

Ultrafast CT scanning has been used for over a decade.  It has customarily been made available to the public without need for a physician's order.  We follow this custom, but do require that a questionnaire be completed to allow us to most accurately interpret the overall potential for developing coronary atherosclerosis.  In addition, an electrocardiogram (EKG) is needed.  We will be pleased to forward the results of the study to your personal physician if you wish.

  
 

WHAT ARE THE LIMITATIONS OF SMART SCORE?

Ultrafast CT is a significant step forward in the fight against heart disease.  It is not a "magic bullet" however.  Like any test, it has its limitations.  Among these are:

  • It can be used in appropriate circumstances under the supervision of a personal physician to help in the determination of possible heart disease in people with certain symptoms.
  • Although it may be a helpful study in some circumstances, it is not a substitute for physician's evaluation or other forms of testing in determining the cause of chest pain or other symptoms or signs of heart disease.
  • It is not as useful in people less than 40 years old.  Although there may be deposition of cholesterol in these individuals, it is not often associated with the presence of calcium in the artery walls.
  • In a similar manner, many people have calcium in the artery wall after they reach the age of 65-70.  Thus, assessing calcium in the vessel wall may not be as valuable.
  
 

Questions or additional information:

(316) 634-1962
or E-mail: info@ksrc.org