Coronary
and Peripheral CT angiography (CTA) and "Cardiac Scoring"
 | Previously physicians had to depend on abnormal test results from treadmills, nuclear scans, EKG's, etc. or for blockages to reach significant levels that limited blood flow, resulting in the manifestations of symptoms. In many instances, blockages were severe by the time they were detected. |
| Augusta Cardiology Clinic, PC (ACC) is the first health care provider to bring this technology to the Augusta region, conveniently located on the campus of Doctors' Hospital in Richmond County. ACC's physician team includes Gordon E. Walters, M.D., Les Walters, M.D., Brian Phelan, M.D., David Clark, M.D., Alexander MacDonell, M.D., Stephen Broadwater, M.D., and Brent Edwards, M.D., all board certified cardiologists. These physicians have stayed on the cutting edge throughout their careers, bringing Augusta many other "first" in cardiology such as atherectomy, pacemaker implantation, rotoblator, interventional electrophysiology studies, the treatment of peripheral vascular disease and nuclear cardiology. |
| ACC uses a new stat-of-the-art 16-slice CT scanner that provides hundreds of high resolution images of the heart and blood vessels, which are then composed into 3-D images to be interpreted by our physicians. The non-cardiac portion of images will be over-read by a board certified radiologist. |
"Cardiac scoring" accurately measures calcium in the arteries, which correlates with underlying arthrosclerosis. Patients are referred back to their physician with the results. Patients will learn the status of the heart's health, their potential risk for heart disease and work with their physician, or a cardiologist if appropriate, to determine a course of treatment or lifestyle modification.
| The scan is FDA approved and uses thin x-ray beams to create the images. The test is safe and is usually complete in less than 15 minutes. The patient lies comfortably on their back on the scanner table, hold their breath for approximately 20 - 30 seconds and the test is complete. |
| Patients who have known risks factors for heart disease such as family history of heart disease, a history of smoking, high blood pressure and/or cholesterol, obesity, diabetes, etc. are candidates for the test. However, many individuals between the ages of 40 and 50 may appear healthy, have no visible symptoms or risk factors, and still have plaque build-up in their arteries that can lead to a heart attack. This test can help patients learn of their risk early allow them to take measures with the guidance of their physician to prevent the progression of any heart disease with further treatment. |
| A physician referral is unnecessary and patients can schedule their own appointment. The cost is approximately $99. To schedule your own appointment with ACC, call (706)228-4033 or log on to www.augustacardiology.com. |