Heart Disease:
Diagnosing Heart Disease: Electron Beam (Ultrafast) CT

• What is an Electron Beam (Ultrafast) CT (EBCT)?
• How should I prepare for an EBCT test?
• What can I expect during the test?
• What happens after the procedure?
• Is the test covered by insurance?

EBCT, also called calcium-score screening heart scan, is a test used to detect calcium deposits found in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. State-of-the-art computerized tomography (CT) methods, such as this one, are the most effective way to detect coronary calcification from atherosclerosis, before symptoms develop. More coronary calcium means more coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a greater likelihood of significant narrowing somewhere in the coronary system and a higher risk of future cardiovascular problems.

Your doctor uses the calcium-score screening heart scan to evaluate risk for future coronary artery disease .

Because there are certain forms of coronary disease, such as "soft plaque" atherosclerosis, that escape detection during this CT scan, it is important to remember that this test is not absolute in predicting your risk for a life-threatening event, such as a heart attack.

How Should I Prepare for the Test?

CT scanners use X-rays. For your safety, the amount of radiation exposure is kept to a minimum. But, because X-rays can harm a developing fetus, this procedure is not recommended if you are pregnant. Tell your technologist and your doctor if you are:

• Pregnant.
• Undergoing radiation therapy.

From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com

Heart Attack - Overview on heart attack (myocardial infarction) and heart attack symptoms including signs of a heart attack, includes causes, risk factors, prevention, and treatment. Produced by medical doctors. Source:MedicineNet Heart Attack Pathology: Photo Essay - Read about heart attack, and see pictures and illustrations of real heart tissue after it has been deprived of oxygen from a heart attack. Source:MedicineNet Heart Attack Prevention Overview - Heart attacks can be prevented through various means of self-improvement. Source:MedicineNet Read 7 more Electron Beam Computerized Tomography related articles ... So Much to Do, So Little Sleep Head Injuries All Too Common in Summer Play Health Tip: The Word on Wisdom Teeth Health Tip: Make Exercise a Daily Habit New Source of Heart Stem Cells Found Health Highlights: June 23, 2008 Poorer Patients Have Poorer Survival After Cancer Diagnosis One Gene May Be Key to Myeloma Crocodile Babies Cry Out for Hatching Immune Molecule Key to Preventing Organ Rejection