Heartview: A Fast, Painless Life Saver

A procedure that takes about 20 minutes at a cost of just $75 could save your life – and in fact has saved more than one life, including a member of the Odessa Regional Medical Center staff.

“One of our nurses came in, and the Heartview procedure showed that he had significant blockage. The follow-up, including open heart surgery, probably saved his life,” said Levi Stone Chief Nursing Officer at ORMC.

Heartview uses a state-of-the-art multi-slice CT scan to detect and measure calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. The 3-D picture of the heart is then sent to a cardiologist for analysis. Results from this study are promptly sent to the patient and his or her primary caregiver for follow-up.

“Across the United States about one in eight people has a high calcium level, that is, a level of 400 or over,” said Zeke Perales Director of Radiology RT(R). “If you suspect that you’re at risk for a heart attack because of family history, lifestyle or other factors, the Heartview scan can help you determine your risk more precisely and make follow-up decisions.”

The Heartview scan involves answering a few questions about height, weight, age and family history. The technician then places leads on your chest and torso. You lie down and are moved through the scanner, which is open and not at all confining. During the scan, you’re asked to follow a few simple instructions such as closing and opening your eyes, holding and releasing your breath.

“There are no sticks, no fasting and no IV,” said Marcy Askins RN, BSN and Director of the ORMC Cath Lab. “The whole procedure takes about 20 minutes start to finish. You can do it on your lunch break.”

Those who have a high score on the Heartview scan may be at risk for several conditions including heart attack, stroke, decreased blood flow, blood clot and high blood pressure. These can be treated with diet and lifestyle changes, medical therapy or surgery.

“Over the past two years we’ve had well over 1000 patients come in for the Heartview scan,” Perales said. “The scan is very specific, looking at all the vessels from front-to-back and side-to-side.”

“If someone has chest pains or a severe blockage is discovered during the test, we have  a fully interventional cardiac catheterization laboratory with cardiologists on call who are ready to repair the blockage with a balloon or a stent,” Askins said.

The ORMC Chest Pain Center is fully accredited by the Society of Chest Pain Centers. During American Heart Month, ORMC wants you to become aware of your risk factors.

“There are two types of risk factors — those you can do something about and those you can’t do anything about,” Askins said.

Factors you can’t do anything about but should be aware of include age, race and family history. Factors you can do something about include obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, a high-fat diet, smoking, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

“We as a society want a fix-all,” Askins said. “But it generally takes a three-month lifestyle modification before any benefits are seen. Ask your doctor to help you come up with a diet and lifestyle plan that will work for you.”

People that are not candidates for the Heartview scan are those who have already been diagnosed with heart disease, those who have a stent in place and those who have had open heart surgery.

The ORMC radiology department is located on the east campus of ORMC. To set up an appointment for a Heartview scan, call 432-582-8050.