What is HealthScan?
The HealthScan program at AIC is an examination of the body by utilization of an ultra-fast helical CT scanner for cancer screening and coronary calcification scoring as well as other abnormalities in the body.  A specially trained radiologist examines the cardiovascular system, lungs, and major organs of the abdomen and pelvis to detect the earliest stages of disease, including coronary artery disease and lung cancer and abdominal or pelvic cancer.  The results of the scan are achieved quickly and painlessly.   An analysis of the scan outcome enables the radiologist to guide the patient and their physician regarding lifestyle and/or diet modifications or treatment.  A similar program was recently presented on the TV show Oprah.

What Diseases are Detected by HealthScan?
HealthScan is accurate in detecting the following diseases: Chest: coronary artery disease, lung cancer, emphysema, thoracic aorta calcification or dilatation, pericardial effusion, heart valve calcification.  Abdomen: "Silent tumors" of the liver, pancreas, kidneys, adrenal glands, and lymph nodes, stomach tumors, liver cysts, infection, cirrhosis, abdominal aortic aneurysm, gallstones, kidney stones.   Pelvis: Male: prostatic enlargement, bladder tumors.  Female: ovarian and uterine tumors, bladder tumors.   Skeletal System: bone demineralization (osteoporosis), bone tumors, spine and hip arthritis and degenerative disease.  

What do the Results of the HealthScan tell about the Cardiovascular System?
AIC’s coronary calcium scoring program can tell patients if they are at risk for a heart attack.   For anyone over the age of 40 and those who smoke, have a family history of heart problems or are currently diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes or other heart related diseases, HealthScan is something to look into.   A score is computed based on the amount of calcification detected in the coronary arteries.  The score is an accurate predictor of the degree of narrowing of coronary arteries and the likelihood of a future coronary event (heart attack).   If no calcified plaque is detected, the risk of coronary artery disease can be virtually excluded.  

Procedure
The patient will lie on the CT table and in a short breath-hold, the scanner will take the images.   It will take less than 5 minutes to complete the scan.   The unique innovative technology of the ultra-fast, helical CT scanner delivers high-resolution images in a fraction of the time of conventional CT scanners.   Radiation is less than that of a conventional CT scanner.   It’s painless, non-invasive and non-claustrophobic.   A DEXA scan is also offered to rule out osteoporosis.