Too often, a heart attack is the first sign of heart disease. Yet, with early detection, many heart attacks can be avoided altogether.

A coronary calcium scoring scan or “heart scan” is a noninvasive screening test that detects early heart disease, even when no symptoms are apparent.

If you are interested in having a heart scan, Dr. Elizabeth Kaback, an integrative cardiology specialist at Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine, can answer your questions.

Q: How does a heart scan work?

Dr. Kaback: The heart scan is a computed tomography (CT) scan of your heart that detects the buildup of calcium in the coronary arteries. Calcium in the coronary arteries is an early indicator of coronary artery disease (CAD). Physicians use the score to assess your risk for heart disease and make recommendations, when needed, for further tests, medication or lifestyle changes.

Q: Should I get a heart scan?

Dr. Kaback: A heart scan is an excellent screening tool for people who have two or more of these risk factors for heart disease: diabetes, family history, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, excess weight or a sedentary lifestyle.

The test is generally recommended for people age 50 or older. This may vary, depending on your family history and risk factors.

Q: Should I be concerned about radiation?

Dr. Kaback: The exposure to radiation from the coronary calcium scoring scan is minimal, and technicians follow many protocols to limit the amount of radiation exposure. You get a similar dose of radiation during the test that you would on a transcontinental flight.

For more information, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Kaback or another integrative medicine cardiologist, call 1-800-SCRIPPS.

Special Offer $250 Heart Scan (regularly $495)
Are you at risk for a heart attack? Find out by having a coronary calcium scoring scan.

For a limited time, we are offering this noninvasive heart scan for $250. This special offer is available until Nov. 30, 2009.

Call 1-800-SCRIPPS and ask to speak to a scheduler.