Kansas City, KS: Cathy Jacobson thought she had a healthy heart. After undergoing a coronary calcium scan, also known as a CardioScore test, doctors discovered dangerous plaque buildup in her arteries that ultimately led to quintuple bypass surgery. Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Greg Muehlebach, and cardiologist Dr. Jean-Alfred Thomas share how this simple scan likely saved her life.
Cathy Jacobson, Patient
· Cathy says she had been short of breath for around 2 years.
· Doctor referred her to a CardioScore scan.
· She says the process of getting a CardioScore is quick and painless.
Dr. Greg Muehlebach, Cardiothoracic Surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Muehlebach says Cathy needed a quintuple bypass, which is a 3–4-hour surgery.
· He says it is common for the CardioScore to detect the need for bypass surgery.
Dr. Jean-Alfred Thomas, Cardiologist, The University of Kansas Health System
· Dr. Thomas says Cathy’s score was in the 400s, which means high risk.
· He says your risk profile determines how often you should get a CardioScore.
