Would Someone Give Me Some Insight on the Heart Scan Means?

Hi!

I recently had a heart scan, not that I was having any symptoms....it's called a heart and cornonary calcium scanning report. Of course I'm not able to disseminate that nomenclature that's in the report and my doctor is not in until Monday!

The report says that Coronary artery calcium scanning and three-dimensional scoring was performed. And the good news is that my total calcium score was "0"!  Of course I'm elated....and was reading down through the report when the doctor that read the test added a comment that states: extensive posterior mediastinal and right hilar calcification noted. I tried to Google to get more info, but didn't really come up with too much and was curious if someone could shed some light on what this means.

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[kenkeith]

Mediastinal relates to the part of the thorax containing the heart, aorta, other large blood vessels, esophagus and some other organs. It is limited to the sides and top by the lungs, at the bottom by the diaphragm (midriff).  

Calcifications of the mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes may be present, particularly in cases due to histoplasmosis (infection) or tuberculosis. Stenosis (narrowing) of the lower trachea or main bronchi may be detectable. Pulmonary oligaemia (decrease of blood) may be seen in cases of severe obstruction of the pulmonary artery, and pulmonary consolidation or atelectasis in cases of bronchial obstruction. CT is more sensitive in showing the enlarged mediastinal and hilar calcified lymph nodes. It may demonstrate any tracheal or bronchial stenosis, pulmonary or systemic vein compression, collateral venous pathways and any arterial compression. Pulmonary artery or vein compression.

[smilie114]

Hi!

Thx for the info. That sheds a little bit more light. My ex father-in-law had TB, but I had a test and it was negative. We didn't find out that he had it until he died. Then we all got tested and it came back negative. That was 6-7 years ago.

My next question is.......what should be my next step? And is it life-threatening? So, basically you are telling me to get a CT scan, right?

Also, I don't have shortness of breath and just went in to have a heart scan due to age....and my neighbor had a heart attack, which brought on the concern.

Are you a doctor? Any medical training? I appreciate your imput.

Thx

[kenkeith]

I have had some experience and training regarding health insurance claims.  

You have a total calcium score of "0", and that is very good outcome as there is very little plaque deposits within the artery walls that could rupture and cause a heart attack. My total score was over 1000 as I remember!

I'm not sure regarding the significance, if any, of right hilar (lymph node) calcification.

[smilie114]

Hi!  

thanks for the comments and responses!  It really helps to know that someone is out there that can shed some insight.

So, if you score was over 1000, what happened after that? Are you okay now?

I have an appointment on Wednesday with the doctor to discuss the findings in the report that was sent to me and their office. I will find out then.

It's just that from your first repsonse, I was in awe of the info that you gave me.

If you think of anything else regarding the right hilar calcification, please by all means let me know if you don't mind.

Have a great evening!

[kenkeith]

Low risk patients can be managed without any further intervention, except for routine coaching on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. About 35% of U.S. adults fall into this category.

High risk patients should immediately be placed on appropriate treatments proven to reduce the risk of heart attack and death, such as statin drugs, beta blockers, aspirin, and/or ACE inhibitors. About 25% of U.S. adults are in this category.  I' m in high risk and on a medication protocol and no problems for the past 5 years.  

The extent of CAD is graded according to your calcium score:
Calcium Score
Presence of CAD
0
No evidence of CAD
1-10
Minimal evidence of CAD
11-100
Mild evidence of CAD
101-400
Moderate evidence of CAD
Over 400
Extensive evidence of CAD

[smilie114]

Well, it seems that you have taken steps for a healthier lifestyle. Kudos to you! Any changes we make in our diet can make a world of difference.

I did not know that the heart scan was so informative...until my neighbor had a heart attack. He is a diabetic and has a weight issue, along with a sedentary lifestyle. He is doing fine now and takes his meds to prevent another one. And gladly, he is starting to get out and work a bit in his yard to keep active.

Again, thx for the info and I will get back to you with what I find out.

Have a super day!