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CT Scan
Cardiac CT
Parkside Cardiology has obtained the latest and most sophisticated technology for non-invasive imaging of the heart and its vessels. Its new state of the art Toshiba Aquillion 64 slice scanner allows for unsurpassed ability to see the finest details of the heart. The Aquillion 64 can not only see the amount of calcium present in an artery (calcium score) but can also be used to see the arteries themselves with any cholesterol blockage (Cardiac CTA).
Toshiba Medical Systems has partnered with Parkside Cardiology to establish the region's premier cardiac imaging center. The Aquillion 64 slice CT scanner sets the standard for CT imaging in Colorado Springs. The Aquillion 64 uses sure technologies applications to provide the highest quality images at the lowest possible x-ray dose. Such technology allows the 64 slice Aquillion to see detail in the heart and other organs within seconds which would not be possible with the previous 4 slice, 16 slice and 32 slice CT scanners.
Peripheral CT angiography or imagining of the vascular system will replace diagnostic angiography as the "gold standard". Peripheral CT angiography is faster and not associated with many of the risks of invasive diagnostic angiograms. Unlike diagnostic angiography performed in the hospital everything outside the arteries is also seen with CT. This gives the doctor a more complete picture of the imaged body part.
Purpose
The goal of all physicians at Parkside Cardiology is to provide the highest quality of care to each individual patient. Part of that commitment involves utilizing the most advanced imaging technologies and placing that information in the hands of the specialists trained to deal with it. Consequently, "We Not Only See it. We Treat it!"
Interpretation/ Results
To ensure the highest level of interpretation, Parkside Cardiology has partnered with radiology and vascular surgery to ensure all studies performed at our Parkside location are read by a board certified specialist. Any exam performed will be reviewed by two physicians. A cardiac CT will have the heart reviewed by a CT trained cardiologist and the chest by a radiologist. A Peripheral CT will be reviewed by a vascular surgeon and a radiologist or a vascular trained cardiologist and a radiologist. No other practice can offer you the same level of service.
Location
Parkside Cardiology's CT scanner is located in our imaging wing at 215 Parkside Drive suite 100. This wing will is also the home to the Parkside office of Colorado Springs Vascular Surgery.
Please call (719) 471-7226 (SCAN) to schedule a CT appointment.
The Exams
Calcium Scoring
Cardiac calcium scoring or a "heart screen" as it is commonly referred to involves the use of CT via x-rays to estimate the amount of calcium present in the walls of the major arteries of the heart. Normal coronary arteries contain no amounts of calcium. An abnormal or high calcium score indicates a higher risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). This technique is best used to identify risk for heart disease before it becomes symptomatic.
Who should consider a calcium scoring exam?
Anyone interested in preventive care who does not have a history of heart disease or heart attack. The characteristics of likely candidates typically have two or more of the following risk factors:
Men or Women between the ages of 40 to 75
Family history of heart disease
Obesity
Diabetes
High Cholesterol
High blood pressure
Smoker
Physical Inactivity
Why should I have my calcium score at Parkside Cardiology?
Parkside Cardiology uses the latest and most advanced CT scanner available. Furthermore Parkside Cardiology scores each heart vessel individually. This provides valuable information to the cardiologist and referring doctor.
Take for example a total calcium score of 600. If all of the calcium is present in the LAD artery this is of much greater concern for blockage in this major vessel than if the LAD, RCA, and Circumflex arteries individually total up to 600. This detail is not always available at other scan sites.
How do I Schedule an Appointment?
This scan can be requested with or without a physician order. The procedure is currently not covered by insurance and payment will be requested at the time of the examination. The cost of the exam is $200.00.
Please call (719) 471-7226 (SCAN) to schedule a calcium scoring exam.
64 Slice Cardiac CT
Cardiac CTA, like calcium scoring, uses x-rays to generate images of the heart. Contrast is administered through an IV to highlight the blood vessels. This allows the scanner to not only see the artery but the blockage inside and its severity. The speed and technology which the scanner uses to acquire such images occurs in seconds. Cardiologists, can for the first time, see the plaque (blockage) within an artery outside of the catheterization laboratory.
Who should receive Cardiac CT Angiography?
Patients who are candidates for cardiac CT angiography have the same risk factors as those undergoing calcium scoring.
In addition they have the following indications:
Evaluation of Chest Pain
Evaluation of Progression of Coronary Artery Disease
Assessment of Coronary Artery Bypass Grafts
Follow-up to a Non Diagnostic Stress Test
Assessment of Aortic Aneurysm
Evaluation of Congenital Heart Disease
Who should Receive Peripheral CT Angiography?
Patients who are candidates for Peripheral CT angiography have many risk factors in common with cardiac patients. However, their symptoms are those of leg pain, temporary numbness or pain in the face, arm, or leg. They may even have had a stroke. This exam is similar to a Cardiac CT except that the CT scanner takes images of the arteries in the body.
This exam is the best for:
Evaluation of Lower Extremity Blockage
Evaluation of Abdominal Aneurysm Repairs (Stent or Surgical)
Evaluation of Renal Artery Stenosis
Evaluation of Carotid Disease
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
Cardiac CTA
Cardiac CTA is covered by most insurance providers. The list is continually updating so please check with your provider to determine coverage.
Cardiac CTA is also available on a cash pay basis. As with all services, payment is expected at the time services are rendered. Please call for pricing information.
Peripheral CTA
Peripheral CTA is covered by most insurance providers for the evaluation, treatment and surgical planning of peripheral vascular disease. Please check with your provider to determine coverage.
For any of your CT needs, please call (719) 471-7226 (SCAN) to schedule an appointment.
"When it comes to Your Heart don't settle for anything less"
Parkside Cardiology
215 Parkside Drive,
Colorado Springs, CO 80910
(719) 471-7226 (SCAN)
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