Oprah's CT scan on her heart - Everyone should do this!

[Cindyluwho]

I didn't see any other threads on this and I thought it was just amazing, I had this procedure done about a month ago. It can show even the smallest amount of plaque in the arteries without any invasive procedure. After my Dad's bypass surgery I began to get worried. My dad has always been very healthy, eats right, exercises, etc. Last June he began having back pain and after a few weeks of going to the Chiropractor, the chiro told him to see his regular Doctor. Good Thing!! He was 93% blocked!! Anyway, my worries led me to go for the 64 CT scan. My score was 0 (perfect)! This is such an inexpensive, easy test - do yourself a favor and go for it!!
You can check it out at http://www.oprah.com

 

[Dan Murphy]

I had mine done today, along with a lung scan. Yes, very quick, easy. I should have results in a few days. I presume I was not a candidate for ER as they did let me go home.

 

[Feralpeg]

I've had it done twice. The first time I had basically no buildup at all. They suggested I wait for two years following my hysterectomy and do it again. Sure enough, there was some buildup in my Aeorta. I am supposed to have it again in two years. The change in hormones following my hysterectomy most likely has led to the slight buildup. If the next time shows substantially more, I will need to start taking medication. I cannot take any type of HRT so we'll see.

 

[MN Dis Fans]

Did they sAy a certain age when you should have this test done? A baseline age like they have for mammograms? I missed the beginning of Oprah.

 

[Cindyluwho]

Actually they didn't give an age, at least not that I remember. It probably depends on your risk factors. Smoking is a biggie, stomach fat, family history, bad eating habits and no exercise seem to be the main risks.

 

[tigercat]

Are they special machines? Are they found everywhere? I don't know if my Dr. would ever recommend one for me even though I have had problems in the past and my df had triple bypass surgery.
tigercat

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I want to get THAT done!!! Hmmm....now how to find out how.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://64slice.usa.siemens.com/index.php

 

[Hermosa11]

I really truely doubt Kaiser will pay for this...........

 

[jfulcer]

I really truely doubt Kaiser will pay for this...........

My experience with Insurance companies (and especially self funded plans) are that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. You won't know unless you ask. It'll cost you a phone call.

 

[Feralpeg]

Are they special machines? Are they found everywhere? I don't know if my Dr. would ever recommend one for me even though I have had problems in the past and my df had triple bypass surgery.
tigercat

Most insurance companies will not pay for this test. I had to pay for mine both times. To just have the heart scan done, it is about $500. In time, I think more insurance companies will come around, but first the doctors have to become more supportive of this. Right now, it is considered preventative medicine.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

500? I will go for that. That is going on my list to do for me & dh.

Thanks for the info!!!!!

 

[Cindyluwho]

Mine was only $199 and it was in a special clinic that also offers a "virtual colonoscopy" which I think is a CT of the colon. It was in the Swedish Medical Building in Seattle.