Randall’s Story
In mid April, Randall Hempling, MountainView Regional Medical Center CEO, along with a few other employees, volunteered their time to test the hospital’s new 64-Slice CT Scanner and train the staff. The 64-Slice CT Scanner has the ability to perform a variety of tests, which were unable to be performed using conventional CT scanners. One of the benefits of this machine is that it has the ability to create crisp images of the heart and arteries, thus allowing it to screen for and diagnose heart issues.
As a test patient, Hempling, underwent a Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screening and a virtual catheterization, to check for any blockage that could possibly cause a heart attack. The Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screening revealed a significant amount of calcium in his arteries and a cardiac angiogram, also known as a virtual catheterization, revealed a nearly complete blockage of the left main artery. This condition is also commonly known as the “widow maker.”
Hempling believed he was in excellent shape. He had not missed a day of work in 38 years and all tests in the past pointed to a healthy heart. Not to mention that he walked the, more than 15 mile, Bataan Honorary Death March this spring. Since Hempling showed no symptoms, there is a chance it would not have been discovered until it was too late. The blockage could have resulted in major health implications, or even death.
“I’m in good shape and active. I thought the test and prove how healthy I am. Being a guinea pig saved my life,” said Hempling.
After this screening and test potentially saved the life of MountainView’s CEO, the team decided to offer this Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screening to the public on a self-referring basis and at a minimal cost.
Cardiac Calcium Scoring is simply a screening test. The screening is not meant to diagnose heart disease. If you have questions about Cardiac Calcium Scoring Screenings, review the Warning Signs for more information.