HeartScore Procedure

Fellowship-trained cardiac radiologist Dr. Robert Optican directs HeartScore

A heart scan allows early detection of heart disease long before any symptoms appear. Baptist Memorial Hospitals offer this technically advanced life-saving procedure called HeartScore. Recent research has shown a direct correlation between the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future heart attack.

The scan takes a series of cross-sectional images of the heart, allowing the detection of even small amounts of calcium in the coronary arteries. The amount and density of the calcium allow the calculation of the calcium score, or HeartScore.

The score will show how an individual fits into various age and risk profiles and whether there is any likelihood of obstructive coronary artery disease in the future. For people at risk, their physician will recommend an appropriate strategy to maintain cardiac health and may recommend further testing.

HeartScore is appropriate for both men and women, age 40 to 70, who have any of the following risk factors: Family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, overweight, sedentary lifestyle, high cholesterol or high stress level. Heart disease can be slowed, stabilized, and in some cases, reversed when a heart scan is done and detects early signs of calcium in the coronary arteries.

A physician referral is not necessary for this procedure. However, patients are encouraged to work with their doctor in incorporating the results of the scan into their own preventive health care plan. The test includes the CT heart scan and a professional interpretation by a board-certified radiologist from Mid-South Imaging and Therapeutics, P.A.

To schedule a HeartScore exam, please call (901) 861-8900 (BMH-Collierville), (901) 226-5905 (BMH-Memphis) or (662) 772-2100 (BMH-DeSoto).