10-Minute Calcium Score Test Saves Contractor's Life
posted on: 7/14/2023 1:52:08 PM
As a contractor, Russ from Delphos works on a variety of projects for clients that include a lot of heavy lifting and a great deal of heart-pumping movement. While Russ felt fine completing a patio project and moving tons of heavy stone, the results of a 10-minute screening not long after predicted life-threatening blockages in his heart.
"I thought I was fine," shares Russ. "They said one artery was 80% blocked, and the other was 95% blocked."
Russ had taken a CT Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screening at the recommendation of his doctor, and the results led to needing two bypasses completed by Dr. Pohl.
"The cardiac team wanted to know if I had shortness of breath and chest pain or anything; I never did," Russ states.
Even if symptoms of heart disease are not present, there are many reasons to have a CT Cardiac Calcium Score Screening completed, including:
- Family history of coronary artery disease
- Diabetes
- High LDL cholesterol
- Low HDL cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Tobacco use; currently smoking or previous smoker
- Overweight (BMI higher than 25) or obesity
- Peripheral artery disease
- Concern about risk for heart disease
- Inactive lifestyle
Russ and his wife welcomed their first great-grandchild two days before the bypass surgery, and Russ is thankful the screening caught his condition before it worsened.
"It's amazing it was found; otherwise, I probably wouldn't be here," expresses Russ.
Since the surgery, Russ continues to recover and even completed his last day in cardiopulmonary rehabilitation at Lima Memorial. Thank you to our dedicated providers, Heart & Vascular Institute team and cardiopulmonary rehab team who helped Russ get care he needed to prevent a potential life-threatening cardiac event.
Learn more about CT Cardiac Calcium Score Screening here: https://bit.ly/3JBoNY1.
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