Should you have a heart scan?

6/29/08 -- Heart Scans to detect blockage -- An article from the NY Times.

When should you have a heart scan?

Here is my response:

Sounds to me like this is being handled well.

Both sides are having the opportunity to argue their postion.

It really should be up to the individual doctors and the patients.

My layman's opinion is (1) that a patient should take the CT scan/test
if there is any suspicion that he has clogged arteries and/or (2) if he has
been prescribed medicine to lower cholesterol or reduce blood pressure.

Those medicines have known side effects.

Before taking those medicines, I think it would be wise to see if your
arteries are clogged. There is no point in taking them if your arteries are
in good shape.

I also think it would be a good idea for every 60 or 65 year old to take
the test to establish a baseline for artery clogging. / I might just ask my
doctor to prescribe the test for me.

MRC