Low-cost, pain-free screening helps the fight against heart disease
By Elean Gersack
Did you know that there is a simple, pain-free, low-cost screening that can help detect calcium buildup in the arteries? Offered through the Medical Center of Aurora, Coronary Calcium Scan Testing can be a useful tool in understanding risk for heart disease.
Anyone can schedule a screening, but it is especially recommended for men over 45 years of age and women over 55 years of age, those with a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol or borderline high blood pressure, as well as those who are overweight, have diabetes, smoke or have an unhealthy lifestyle.
Taking a proactive approach with this screening provided great insight for patients Michelle Post and her husband. “My husband learned of the calcium scan and thought it would be a good benefit for both of us to have the scans done, and he was right. Our experience was excellent. We received our report when promised, and it was fascinating. The report is detailed and extremely informative. The whole experience was well worth the money.”
The screenings are performed at several sites across Centennial and Aurora and use X-ray technology without any IV contrast dye. The painless screening provides patients with a greater understanding of any calcium build-up and how that translates into risk. Being armed with this information can help patients and physicians plan early and help stay ahead of potential cardiac issues.
Some insurance companies provide coverage for the screening, but not all. Without insurance coverage, the cost runs $79. Learn more about the screenings at www.auroramed.com/service/heart-care-heart-screenings.
