Who Needs a Body Scan?
If you’re over 45, you’re a prime candidate for a scan or screening. Also, if you have a family history and risk factors for cardiovascular disease or cancer, you will want to look closely at the benefits of being scanned.
(Remember, scans are meant to detect problems before any symptoms appear. If you have active symptoms, speak with your doctor, who may recommend a traditional diagnostic examination.)
Consider a screening exam if:
You’re diabetic: Did you know that diabetes is linked to artery disease? That’s why people with diabetes are advised to keep a close watch on the health of their coronary arteries. Our heart scan, plus an ultrasound examination of the carotid arteries and lower leg artery can detect early warning signs.
You suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure): If your blood pressure is higher than normal, your circulatory system is stressed. Even if you feel healthy and strong, hypertension puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Your family history indicates a predisposition for certain diseases: For example, if your relatives have diabetes and heart disease, pay extra attention to your own body weight, blood fats and activity level. Is there cancer in your family? Scanning can help catch it in time.
You’re overweight: The truth hurts. Extra pounds mean extra risk for health complications such as high blood pressure, which stresses the cardiovascular system. A heart scan can be helpful.
You’re sedentary: Lack of exercise increases your risk for coronary artery disease. Our heart scan and ultrasound exam can detect calcium deposits in the arteries, so you can avoid suffering a heart attack or stroke.
You’re a current or former smoker: You already know smoking is deadly. A scan of the lungs can help detect early changes in your lung tissue that may bring problems in the future. A heart scan can help spot early predisposition toward smoking-related heart disease.
You’re over age 50: Doctors recommend regular colonoscopies for their patients who are over 50 years of age. A virtual colonoscopy from Pinnacle Radiology can be an excellent alternative.
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