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Buttaci, Salvatore
New Iberia, LA
Cardiologist - Dr. Salvatore Buttaci, a native of Italy, received his medical education from the University of the Andes...
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What's your score?
Every 29 seconds someone suffers a heart attack.
Do you know your score?
You could know. And all it takes is a fast painless exam to help you and your doctor understand your risk for a heart attack. In just five minutes, using a procedure called coronary calcium scoring, your doctor can see inside your arteries and detect any calcium buildup that may indicate heart disease. Then, once you know, you can prevent. And that's peace of mind - just in time.
 Know Your Risk Factors
The following factors may increase your risk for heart disease and, ultimately, a heart attack.
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You are male and over 45 years old.
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You are female and over 55 years old, OR you have passed menopause or had your ovaries removed and are not taking estrogen.
- Your father or brother had a heart attack before age 55 OR your mother or sister had one before the age of 65.
- You smoke OR you live/work with someone who smokes daily.
- You have a cholesterol level of 240 mg/dl or higher.
- You've been told your blood pressure is high.
- You do NOT exercise on a regular basis for at least 30 minutes.
- You're 20 pounds or more overweight.
- You have diabetes OR you need medicine to control your blood sugar.
If more than two of the items listed above pertain to you, you may be at risk for heart disease. CACS may be a good next step to assess your risk more completely.
What Should You Expect during the Exam?
- You'll be lying comfortably on the exam table for about five minutes, though the scan takes only seconds.
- There's no need to change your clothes, but all jewelry and metal items must be removed.
- The exam is "cardiac gated" so electrocardiogram leads will be placed on your chest to synchronize the scan with your heartbeats.
- You will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during scanning.
- The scan is painless and emits only a small amount of radiation.
- There is no special preparation for the exam -- no fasting, no injections, no ceasing of medications.
Please note that this Web site cannot replace regular discussions
with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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