Beaumont-led study: Too many CT angiography scans being done - Fox 2 News Headlines

Here's the question.  Just because we have the technology and the testing, should we use it?  The answer is no, and a new Beaumont-led study shows why more isn't always better.

Cut back on CT scans when it comes to heart testing.  That's the message coming from Kavitha Chinnaiyan's new study.

The Beaumont cardiologist led research into CT angiography.  That's the CT scan that looks at the health of the heart vessels.  About 500,000 Americans undergo the scans every year at a cost of anywhere from $500 to $1,500.

"You can imagine when this technology is available everybody wants to get it.  Everybody wants to order it," said Chinnaiyan.

The study published online in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found in dozens on centers in Michigan there were too many of these CT scans being done, and when doctors were educated about who should get the scans and when, the misuse dropped by 60 percent.

"This is huge because it's a radiation-based test.  People are exposed to a lot of radiation with it, and there is a risk of cancer with even one scan.  So when you decrease inappropriate use like this, then this is big news," Chinnaiyan explained.

Traditional angioplasty involves a catheter and a tiny camera going up to the heart through the blood vessel in the groin.  It's more invasive and more risky than the CT scan, which Dr. Chinnaiyan admits can be a great, non-invasive test when used appropriately.

So before you undergo any testing, ask your doctor about the risks.  Ask why is this necessary and find out exactly what you are being exposed to.