Dinner Will Accompany Discussion of CT Scanning

There’s a lot of information, and misinformation, about University Hospital’s LightSpeed VCT 64-Slice computed tomography scanner.

Tuesday, the University Health Care System is offering dinner with an information session about the procedure at 6:30 p.m. at the North Augusta Community Center, 495 Brookside Drive.

Dr. Faiz Rehman, a cardiologist at University Hospital, will answer questions.

Computer tomography scanning, better known as CT scanning, is a noninvasive exam that allows doctors to see inside of the body, said Rebecca Sylvester, communications manager for University Heath Care System.

The 64-slice scanner, which will be the focus of Dr. Rehman’s discussion, produces a higher level of CT scanning and processes images faster to allow for better viewing of organs such as the heart, brain or lungs.

“(Before the 64-slice scanner), the only way you could detect if you had heart disease was to have a cardiac (catheterization),” Sylvester said.

A cardiac catheterization tests blood flow in the arteries and requires the insertion of a thin tube through the arm or the groin. The 64-slice scanner procedure takes about 15 minutes and requires no recovery time.

Scans are recommended for anyone who is nearing an age where cardiovascular health is a concern, and for those with a family history of heart disease. Sylvester said most people should begin screenings at ages 40 or 50. However, people can begin them much earlier.

“At 20 years old I can have this scan (and) my physician can set up a plan so I’m not having a heart attack at 40,” she said.

Cardiovascular health is one of two primary areas of focus for the University Health Care System. The other is cancer, which will be the focus of a prostate screening at the Lowe’s on Knox Avenue from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. Sept. 8.

September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The screenings will be held at area Lowe’s locations each Saturday through the month.

“We do this every year with Lowe’s,” Sylvester said. “Last year, we screened almost 1,500 men.”

Originally published by Lisa Kaylor Staff Writer.

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