Welcome to the Cardiac Scoring section of the Medical University of South Carolina’s web site. The latest advances in ultrafast CT (Cat Scan) technology have resulted in the development of a truly non-invasive screening test for calcification in the coronary (heart) arteries.
If you don´t find what you´re looking for here, you can get additional information from the MUSC Health Connection nurses by telephone (792-1414) or e-mail (asknurse@musc.edu). If you have specific comments that would make the internet portion of this service more user friendly, please send them to our webmaster at stringes@musc.edu. MUSC Computed Tomography/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Computed Tomography imaging in the department is performed using state-of-the-art 64 slice CT scanners. One scanner is located in the Emergency Department allowing quick access to CT imaging for trauma cases. Another CT scanner is located in the Rutledge Tower outpatient facility and provides convenient outpatient access to CT imaging procedures. Two multi-slice CT scanners (one 16 slice and one quad slice) are located within the main department and provide inpatient and outpatient imaging services. Another 64 slice scanner is located in the Heart and Vascular Center and is used primarily for cardiac CT imaging. A variety of imaging procedures such as cardiac scoring and interventions are performed in the department including CT guided biopsies, CT guided images and CT fluoroscopy.
Cardiac Scoring Overview
What does Cardiac Scoring Really Do?
This is probably the most important thing to understand. Cardiac Scoring is a completely non-invasive method of determining quite accurately how much calcification is in your coronary arteries. Why do I want to know how much calcification I have? Because, in general, the more calcification you have in your coronary arteries, the more likely you are to develop a blockage in those arteries that can lead to a heart attack. What do I need to do to prepare for an examination? Nothing. And in this case we really mean nothing. You can eat your regular meal, take your regular medicines, wear your regular clothes. You only need to show up on time. How much recovery period is there? There is no recovery period because there is nothing to recover from. You can conduct all your normal daily activities following the exam. What happens during the CT Scan? You come into the CT room, lie down on your back on the table, and the technologist gives you breathing instructions. When the technologist starts the scan, you hold your breath. After completion of the scan (about 2 minutes), you get up and leave.
Cardiac Scoring Preparation
There is no specific preparation required for this test. You can perform all your normal daily activities before and after the examination.
If you want to decide if you might benefit from this test, talk to your personal physician. You may also go to our coronary artery risk assessment page to take a quick test. If you would like to talk to a cardiologist and need a recommendation, please go to our Health Connection page. If you would like to make an appointment and get directions, please go to our appointment page.
Cardiac Scoring Appointments
To schedule an appointment for a Cardiac Scoring test, please call (or have your physician call) 843-792-9271.
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