When
to Get a Second Scan
Studies have
proven that for individuals with more plaque
than average, the situation worsens yearly
(by about 35% on average) if left untreated.
However, if treated aggressively, in most
cases the process of atherosclerosis can be
slowed, stabilized or even reversed.
The decision
to repeat a heartscan depends upon the
reason for scanning and the results of the
first scan. For example, if two siblings who
share the same family history of early heart
disease in a parent, had heartscans, we
could make individual recommendations for
repeat scans. If the brother had a high
score, perhaps he should have a repeat scan
in a year or two to see if his calcium score
is responding to therapy. If his sister had
a zero score, it is unlikely that will
change for quite a while. Future scanning
may be optional.
In general,
if your scan results are higher than average
or in the moderate range or higher, a repeat
scan in a year is recommended by us. It is
the only way for us to monitor whether there
is progression (worsening), stabilization or
regression (improvement) in your coronary
situation. Most people with reassuring
scores prefer to get an additional scan in a
few years to get "one more point on the
curve".
Note:
ALWAYS use the same type of scanner for
repeat heartscans. If your first scan was on
an EBCT scanner, it would be almost
impossible for us to make any judgments if
your second scan was on a mechanical spiral
(helical) scanner…so beware of the
differences.
