New Cardiac Risk Assessment Now Available in Chennai
Chennai, India – November 5, 2025 – The Tamil Nadu Government Multi-Specialty Super Specialty Hospital (TNGMSSH) has recently introduced a new ‘Calcium CT Assessment’ as part of its thorough preventive health check-up programs. This innovative procedure offers a non-invasive way to evaluate an individual’s risk of heart disease, specifically by measuring calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
Addressing Limitations of Customary Heart Tests
For a year, observational tests at the hospital identified prevalent calcified plaques in the coronary arteries of numerous middle-aged individuals. The new assessment provides an alternative to the Treadmill Test (THT), which not all patients can undergo due to conditions like back pain, blood pressure irregularities, or limitations in physical endurance.
“We offer CT calcium assessment as an alternative to assess heart risk,” stated V. Anand Kumar, Chief Expert at TNGMSSH. “It is indeed not to detect obstruction but calcium deposits that indicate disease.”
How the Calcium CT Assessment Works
The Calcium CT Assessment is described as a safe, non-contrast procedure, closely resembling a standard chest CT scan. The scan itself is remarkably swift, taking approximately two minutes to complete, and requires no prior readiness from the patient. The assessment is now available as part of the Platinum Plus package.
According to Hospital officials, this testing is particularly beneficial for individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 who may have isolated health concerns, a family history of heart disease, or experience critically important stress.
Did You Know? Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide. Early detection and preventative measures are crucial in mitigating risk. The World Health Organization estimates that 17.9 million people died from CVDs in 2019, representing 32% of all global deaths.
Understanding the Results
It’s significant to note that this test is not designed to identify blockages but rather to highlight the presence of calcium deposits-indicators of potential heart disease growth. Hospital authorities emphasize that no single test can definitively predict an impending cardiac event, and all evaluations shoudl be considered supportive, guiding further investigation and tailored treatment plans.
| Test | Invasive? | Preparation Needed? | Time to Complete |
|---|---|---|---|
| Treadmill Test (THT) | No | None | Variable |
| CT Calcium Assessment | No | None | ~2 minutes |
Pro Tip: Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, is paramount, even with regular health screenings.
Do you think wider accessibility to cardiac risk assessments would improve public health outcomes? What steps are you taking to prioritize your heart health?
The Growing Importance of Preventative Cardiology
The increasing focus on preventative cardiology reflects a broader shift in healthcare towards proactive health management. Identifying risk factors early allows for lifestyle interventions and, if necessary, medical treatment to prevent the progression of heart disease. Technological advances, like the Calcium CT Assessment, are making these preventative measures more accessible and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calcium CT Assessments
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What are the limitations of CT Calcium Scoring as a sole indicator of heart disease risk?
Multidisciplinary hospital Launches CT calcium Scoring for Advanced cardiac Risk Assessment
Understanding CT Calcium Scoring
Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Early detection and risk stratification are crucial for preventative care and improved patient outcomes. At [Hospital Name], we’re proud to announce the launch of a thorough CT Calcium Scoring program, offering a non-invasive method for assessing your risk of developing heart disease. This advanced diagnostic tool goes beyond conventional risk factors, providing a more precise evaluation of coronary artery calcification – a key indicator of plaque buildup.
what is Coronary Calcium Scoring?
CT Calcium Scoring utilizes computed tomography (CT) to measure the amount of calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. Calcium is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, the process where plaque accumulates inside artery walls. The score itself isn’t a measure of blockage, but rather the extent of calcification. Higher scores correlate with a greater risk of future cardiac events like heart attack and stroke.
The Process: What to Expect
The CT Calcium Scoring procedure is swift, painless, and requires minimal readiness. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
- Consultation: A thorough review of your medical history, lifestyle, and existing risk factors (like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and family history of heart disease) will be conducted by our cardiology team.
- Preparation: Generally, no special preparation is needed.You may be asked to remove jewelry and wear agreeable clothing. Inform your doctor about any allergies, especially to contrast dye, although contrast is not typically used for calcium scoring.
- The Scan: You’ll lie on a table that slides into the CT scanner. The scan itself takes just a few minutes. You’ll be asked to hold your breath briefly during the imaging process to minimize motion artifacts.
- Results & Interpretation: A radiologist will analyze the images and calculate your calcium score. Your cardiologist will then discuss the results with you, explaining what they mean in the context of your overall cardiovascular health.
Interpreting Your Calcium Score
Calcium scores are typically categorized as follows:
* 0: No detectable calcium – very low risk.
* 1-10: Minimal calcium – low risk.
* 11-100: mild calcium – moderate risk. Lifestyle modifications and further monitoring may be recommended.
* 101-400: Moderate calcium – intermediate risk. more aggressive risk factor management and possibly further testing (like a stress test) may be considered.
* 401+: Significant calcium – high risk. A comprehensive cardiac evaluation and discussion of treatment options (medication, angioplasty, or bypass surgery) are typically warranted.
It’s vital to remember that a calcium score is just one piece of the puzzle.Your cardiologist will consider your score alongside other risk factors to develop a personalized treatment plan.
benefits of CT Calcium Scoring
Compared to other cardiac risk assessment methods, CT Calcium Scoring offers several advantages:
* Non-invasive: No needles, incisions, or sedation are required.
* Fast: The scan takes only a few minutes.
* Accurate: Provides a quantifiable measure of coronary artery calcification.
* Early Detection: Can identify early signs of heart disease before symptoms develop.
* Cost-Effective: Frequently enough less expensive than other cardiac imaging tests.
* Improved Risk Stratification: Helps refine risk assessment and guide treatment decisions.
Who Should Consider CT Calcium Scoring?
While not everyone needs a calcium score, it’s particularly beneficial for individuals:
* With intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease (based on traditional risk factors).
* With a family history of early heart disease.
* Who are considering starting a statin medication.
* Who are experiencing unexplained chest pain or shortness of breath.
* Who want a baseline assessment of their cardiovascular health.
* Individuals undergoing preventative health screenings.
Our Multidisciplinary Approach to Cardiac Care
at [Hospital Name], our CT calcium Scoring program is integrated into a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to cardiac care. this means you benefit from the expertise of:
* Cardiologists: Leading experts in heart disease diagnosis and treatment.
* Radiologists: Highly skilled in interpreting medical images.
* Cardiac Rehabilitation Specialists: Providing guidance on lifestyle modifications and exercise programs.
* Registered Dietitians: Offering personalized nutrition counseling.
* Dedicated Nursing Staff: Providing compassionate and supportive care.
Real-World Example: Early Intervention
We recently had a patient, a 52-year-old male with a family history of heart disease, who underwent CT Calcium Scoring as part of a routine health checkup. His score came back at 250, indicating moderate calcium buildup. While he had no symptoms, this result prompted further examination with a stress test, which revealed mild coronary artery disease. Early intervention with lifestyle changes and medication helped stabilize his condition and prevent a potential heart attack. This case highlights the power of proactive screening and early detection.
Practical Tips for Maintaining Heart Health
Beyond CT Calcium Scoring, here are some practical steps you can take to protect your heart:
* Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Limit saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added
