SC Wisconsin News

Aspirus Health is highlighting the importance of early heart disease detection through the use of coronary calcium score scans. This initiative comes during Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about heart health.

The coronary calcium score scan is a non-invasive CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. It provides a numerical score indicating a patient's risk for heart disease. Dr. Daniel Krause, a cardiologist at Aspirus Heart Care, explains, "The results do matter. A score of zero is ideal, meaning no calcification. Most people have a score under 100, but if it’s over 100, we take a closer look at risk factors. A score above 400 is concerning and may lead to further evaluation, such as stress testing."

This scan is especially recommended for individuals aged 40 to 70 who possess certain risk factors for heart disease. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, family history of heart disease, smoking history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress.

Dr. Krause emphasizes the effectiveness of the test: "It's quick, affordable, and highly effective at helping us determine heart disease risk in patients who may not have symptoms." Despite its benefits, insurance coverage for the scan varies. Many plans do not cover it entirely; hence patients might need to pay out-of-pocket expenses averaging $99 at Aspirus.

Aspirus encourages individuals concerned about their cardiac health to consult with healthcare providers regarding the suitability of this test for them. The organization underscores that early detection can significantly impact long-term heart health outcomes.

For additional details or consultations with an Aspirus cardiologist, visit Aspirus.org.