Scanning hearts, saving lives

By Meghan McCormick

January 11, 2009 01:09 am

— Johnnie York believes he might not be alive today if it hadn't been for a simple medical test called a heart scan.
York, 64, said it was back in October when his wife, Sherland, saw a television commercial for Norman Regional Hospital's heart scan/cardiac scoring test.
The Lexington man didn't think the exam was a bad idea for him or his wife.
"Sure, why not. It was only $100 for each person," he said.
York said he was adamant his wife schedule the exam soon.
"I wanted her to get it done ASAP," he said. "Heart disease is notorious on her side of the family."
Sherland made the appointments. A few days later, the couple underwent cardiac scoring at Norman Regional Health System's HealthPlex.
"I wanted to get in, get it done and get it over with," York said.
He said the test was over before he knew it. Afterward, he and Sherland sat in a waiting room, ready for their results.
York said the news he was about to hear was a shock. His wife's test revealed she had a low risk for cardiovascular disease.
"It was a relief and a surprise," he said.
But the news wasn't so great for York. He said test results showed a severe blockage in his left main coronary artery.
York couldn't believe it. His health was great as far as he knew. He saw a physician for regular check-ups, and there was no family history of heart disease.
"Yeah, I was tired every now and then," he said.
York said he followed up with his primary care physician and then saw a cardiologist. After a few more medical tests, York received his diagnosis. One coronary artery suffered 90 percent blockage and another 50 percent.
York said double-bypass surgery was his only option. The father of five knew he wanted to attend his daughter's Halloween party in Oklahoma City Oct. 31, so the operation was scheduled for early November.
"That following Monday, I went into surgery," he said.
York said he stayed in the hospital seven days before he was released home.
"I feel blessed that I get to live out some more dreams," York said.
He said his poor eating habits could have contributed to his condition. Before his diagnosis, he liked to eat steak and drink a couple of beers each night. York has cut back on red meat and alcohol consumption.
"I have been watching my diet," he said.
York said his energy levels are higher and he and his wife are making plans with their children and grandchildren.
"We always did a lot with the family and now we know we can plan to be here a lot longer with them," he said.
York said he will keep up with regular physicals.
"I'm a real, firm believer in preventative," he said. "I want to stay here as long as possible."
Lance Garber, M.D., a radiologist at Norman Regional Hospital, said he sees about 10 patients a day who undergo cardiac scoring/heart scan.
Garber said the test takes a noninvasive look at the heart through a CT scan. The images allow Garber and his co-workers to assess calcium content inside the heart. Computer software calculates calcification levels and then delivers a calcium score to Garber.
"Based on their calcium score, the patient is put into a category for risk," he said.
Garber said the patient receives his or her results within the same day.
"At Norman Regional Hospital, they get their results immediately and then we give a report to their physician," he said.
Trevor Wall, RT, director of cardiovascular and diagnostic imaging services for Norman Regional Hospital, said cardiac scoring was introduced to Norman Regional Health System in April 2005.
"The test takes less than 10 minutes," Wall said. "We can perform that at any of our sites."
He said scores typically range from 0 to 400. Patients who receive a score of 0 have a very low risk for cardiovascular disease, and those with a score of 400 or even higher are at greatest risk.
"We have seen scores up to 4,000 or 5,000," he said.
Wall said even though a patient has a cardiac score of 0 or 1, he or she should follow up with physician.
"It is only one tool in the tool box to detect heart disease," he said.
Wall said men over age 35 and women age 40 and older should undergo a heart scan. The test also is recommended for people diagnosed with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or who have a family history of heart disease. A person who uses tobacco or experiences excessive stress might want to consider a heart scan.
"Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer for men and women," he said.
Meghan McCormick
366-3539
mmccormick@normantranscript.com