The Heart & Vascular Institute at Memorial University Medical Center has a 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner, one of the fastest and most advanced scanners available. The SOMATOM™ Sensation Cardiac 64 can scan the body and give physicians clear, detailed images of the heart and its surrounding arteries without the need for any invasive procedures. If there is blockage in the arteries, doctors can pinpoint where it is and immediately send the patient to surgery to repair it. If there is no blockage, they can investigate other diagnoses.

The 64-slice CT scanner can also be used to screen for calcium build up in the coronary arteries. Calcium is a component of plaque, and calcium build up is an early warning of coronary artery disease, a leading cause of heart attacks. The CT scan can detect hardened calcium deposits without any needles, medication, or hospitalization. Patients simply lie on a table and the machine scans their heart. If the scan shows a moderate to high coronary calcium score, doctors may recommend a treatment plan to reduce the risk of a heart attack.

Calcium scoring is available to anybody with or without a physician's referral. The cost for the test is $99 and is not covered by most insurance plans. To schedule a test or for more information, call 912-350-HEART (4327).