Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of hospitalisation and death in Australia, claiming on average 21 lives every day.
CVD can be caused by a combination of socio-economic, behavioural, and environmental risk factors, including high blood pressure, unhealthy diet, high cholesterol, diabetes, air pollution, obesity, tobacco use, kidney disease, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol and stress. Family history, ethnic background, sex, and age can also affect a person’s risk of cardiovascular disease.
Thousands of Australians remain unaware that they are at high risk of CVD. Often, there are no underlying symptoms and the first sign is a heart attack or stroke.
Cardiovascular disease is easier to treat when detected early.
CitiScan Radiology offers Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (also known as CT Calcium Scoring), which is a simple, quick and non-invasive way of evaluating the amount of calcified (hard) plaque in your heart vessels. This test can provide accurate results for an assessment on the health of your heart, using a low-dose CT scan.
The results of the scan can provide an estimate on your risk of a heart attack or stroke within the next 5–10 years. The more calcium detected the higher your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Your doctor will use the results of the calcium score to determine if you need further examinations, treatment or lifestyle changes to assess and/or reduce the risk of a future heart attack or other heart problems.
Learn more about what's involved in CT Calcium Scoring here: www.citiscan.com.au/services/cardiac-imaging/ct-calcium-score
