Copyright thehindu
After a year of observing how tests revealed calcified plaque in the coronary arteries of many middle-aged persons, the Advanced Master Health Check-up centre of the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital (TNGMSSH), Omandurar Estate, recently introduced “CT calcium scoring” as part of its preventive health checks. CT calcium scoring, a non-invasive, non-contrast and a safe procedure, similar to routine CT chest scan, is now being offered as a part of Platinum Plus package that costs ₹4,000, and as a standalone test costing ₹500, officials said. The Platinum Plus package offers Treadmill Test (THT) for cardiac evaluation. Though many persons opt for this package, some are unable to take up TMT due to various reasons such as back ache, fluctuating blood pressure, high heart rate, poor stamina, minor ECG variations and subtle ECHO abnormalities, they further said. “So, we are offering CT calcium scoring as an alternative for cardiac risk assessment. This is not for detecting blocks, but for calcium deposition that indicates disease. Persons aged between 30 and 50, who have an isolated co-morbid condition and are on medication for that, and with no earlier coronary event, can take up this test. Those with factors such as family history of coronary disease or stress can also opt for this test,” V. Anand Kumar, nodal officer, TNGMSSH, said. He added that there was no need for any preparation prior to the test, and that it took about two minutes to scan. There is no gold standard test to detect an impending coronary event, he said, adding that all these tests were supportive and indicative in nature. Depending on the test result, doctors would subject people to further tests and advise for appropriate management.
