Frequently Asked Questions
Will there be any cost to the participants?
No. The screening will be provided free of charge.
How long does the test take to perform?
Once three stickers are placed on the body of the patient being scanned, three breaths are required for adequate imaging. Typical scan time is no longer than 10 seconds.
Is there radiation to the patient and what is the risk?
Calcium scoring requires the use of x-ray technology and there is radiation exposure. The amount of radiation one receives from this test is similar to a mammogram (very low). This is about the same amount of “background radiation” exposure one may experience over 4 months. The risk of very low dose radiation exposure is speculative.
What if my coronary artery calcium score is not 0?
Don’t be worried! Coronary artery calcium is a common finding and provides an opportunity for early treatment to prevent cardiac events. We will provide you with the imaging and data that you need to discuss with your primary care doctor or a cardiologist of your choice. We can also provide you with appropriate recommendations.
If participants do not meet the criteria for calcium scoring, exercise stress testing will be performed at a mutually agreeable time for the participant and Millennium Cardiology Exercise Stress Laboratory within 30 days of completion of calcium scoring.
If you have any questions or are not sure if that this type of testing is for you, please contact us directly.