Cardiac Electron Beam (Ultra-Fast) Computed Tomography

What is cardiac electron beam (ultra-fast) computed tomography?

Cardiac electron beam computed tomography, sometimes called ultra-fast CT, is a computer-assisted X-ray scan of the heart. It is an easy way to find out how much calcium is in the coronary arteries of the heart.

Why is coronary artery calcium important?

Normal coronary arteries have very little or no calcium in them. Atherosclerosis, a slow process that gradually clogs the arteries and causes heart attacks, attracts and concentrates calcium in the blood vessels. The more atherosclerosis, the more calcium. This increases the risk of a heart attack.

How is a scan done?

If you will receive an injection of dye before the scan, you need to fast for 4 hours before the test.

Scanning usually lasts 20 to 90 minutes and is painless. During a CT scan, you lie still on a table. The table slides into the CT unit, which is like a small tunnel or donut. It is important not to move during the scan. The best CT scans are obtained when you are able to hold your breath. If this is not possible, you will be asked to breathe quietly and regularly. The scanner rotates around the table, and may make noises. You can talk to the technologist at any time during the procedure.

How is the scan interpreted?

The amount of calcium seen in the pictures is carefully measured and given a value. The total value is then compared to a chart that ranks the value according to risk for serious disease. The higher the value, the greater the risk.

How good is the scan?

Doctors have not yet agreed on whether this scan helps to prevent heart attacks, and who might benefit most from having this test. Some doctors believe the scan is helpful, while others believe it does not measure risk of a heart attack better than other tests such as blood pressure, cholesterol, and EKGs.

The scan is most accurate when used in people who already have heart disease risk factors such as a family history of heart attacks, high cholesterol, diabetes, or cigarette smoking.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the scan?

Although this scan may show the deposits of calcium in the arteries, it may not always help diagnose early stage heart disease. You may need further testing. This scan can be expensive and is not usually covered by insurance or Medicare. Talk it over with your healthcare provider before you have the test.