Cardiovascular DEXA Screening

A DXA scan can be used as part of a cardiovascular risk assessment. Analyzing body composition and bone density may help to assess certain cardiovascular risk factors, such as the presence of abdominal aortic calcification, which has been found to be a marker of increased risk for cardiovascular events.

Heart Health Risk in Kelowna

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide.

People affected by CVDs may go undiagnosed until the occurrence of a serious heart failure event such as stroke, heart attack, and myocardial infarction. DEXA scan is an imaging test that measures your bone health, body fat, and muscle mass. These measurements can help detect anomalies earlier, in order to:

DEXA Medical Imaging

The term “dexa” stands for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, a technology that uses two low-energy X-ray beams for assessing body composition and bone density.

This non-invasive test produces images measuring the amount of tissue per range – bone mineral, lean mass, and fat mass. It is one of the most accurate methods to determine bone density and potential problems related to bone loss.

Measurement Precision

While a regular X-ray can show changes in bone density after bone loss of about 40%, a DEXA scan can detect changes of about 2-4%, making it more sensitive and accurate. This information could help health professionals to identify people at risk of stroke, metabolic disturbances, cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and breast cancer.

Vascular Calcification Imaging

During a DXA examination, lateral spine single-energy images can be captured and are commonly used to identify vertebral fractures. These images simultaneously capture the presence of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) associated with cardiovascular disease in older individuals.

Body Visualization

One of the most precise methods of determining the amount of visceral fat deposits is by taking a DEXA test. Body composition measurement with DXA can look beyond weight and the traditional body mass index (BMI) to determine body fat distribution. The precise imaging can give a detailed breakdown of your body mass, from the weight of your bones to the total fat and lean tissue.

Long Term Health

DXA tests can also help health care providers spot bone loss in people who might have no symptoms.

The earlier bone disease can be diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be started to improve the condition and/or keep it from getting worse, particularly in the elderly. This preventative test can also monitor increased health risks due to poor body composition. Visceral fat cannot be measured with BMI and scales, so it goes undetected.

Bone Mineral Density

People tend to think that bones are static and unchanging, but the truth is that bones are in constant flux. As people age, they often lose bone density, thus becoming porous and brittle.

This bone loss can lead to osteoporosis, and an increased CVD risk. The high-precision X-ray from a DXA scan can measure how many grams of calcium and other bone minerals are packed into a specific segment of bone.

High levels of calcium in the blood circulation, resulting from bone resorption in osteoporosis, can deposit on the walls of arteries, and calcify part of the vessel wall including the coronary artery, eventually leading to heart disease.
As well as being quick and painless, a bone density scan is more effective than normal X-rays in identifying low bone density.
DEXA also offers several advantages compared to other diagnostic imaging scans, such as CT scan, including reduced radiation dose, and decreased scan times.

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Visceral Fat

Visceral Adipose Tissue (VAT) is a hormonally active component of total body fat. The measurement reflects the amount of internal abdominal fat around the organs.

Maintaining a high amount of visceral fat can contribute to a multitude of health complications. The DEXA scan can help predict and prevent heart disease, or other metabolic disturbances.
Understanding and monitoring health risks related to body fat distribution and bone density, can be used as a tool to diagnose obesity and monitor changes in body composition over time.

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Am I Overweight?

Are you in the healthy range? Use this tool to calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) now to know your risk for obesity-related diseases.

How Healthy Are My Bones?

Take the 1-minute quiz to determine your risk for developing osteoporosis.

DexaCan Plan Options

The DEXA scan is the gold standard procedure for body composition analysis. We offer multiple plans for you to choose from.

Body Composition Scan - $249

Visual image of precise location of bone, lean mass, and fat mass.
Body fat % compared to age group.
Precise mass measurements of specific areas of the body.
Calculations of total mass, fat mass, and lean mass.
Estimated amount of visceral fat (the type of fat around internal organs associated with medical disorders such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.).
Body fat, fat mass and lean mass values over time.
Ideal for athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and body builders, as well as those seeking weight management.

*Patients will receive a copy of the scan report.

Advanced Body Composition Scan - $499

Visual image of precise location of bone, lean mass, and fat mass.
Body fat % compared to age group.
Precise mass measurements of specific areas of the body.
Calculations of total mass, fat mass, and lean mass.
Estimated amount of visceral fat (the type of fat around internal organs associated with medical disorders such as metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes.).
Body fat, fat mass and lean mass values over time.
Visual comparison of gradual changes in bone and mass.
Breast health screening based on BMI and body fat %.

A follow-up consultation with our physician is included with the Medical Body Composition Scan. Based on the results of the report, the doctor can provide recommendations for further testing, treatment, or referrals to specialists if necessary.

*Patients will receive a copy of the scan report.

Bone Density Scan - $499

Evaluation of bone density loss to determine the risk of osteoporosis.
Values are compared to others of the same age and gender (Z-scores) or healthy young adults at peak bone mass (T-scores).
Results help track bone health changes over time.

The Bone Density Scan includes a radiologist report and a consultation with our doctor to review the results. The physician can then provide recommendations or referrals based on the findings.

*Patients will receive a copy of the scan report.

Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment - $499

Screening to detect and identify individuals who are higher-risk for heart disease by assessing Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC).
Lateral DXA is non invasive, has low radiation exposure, and is relatively inexpensive compared with CT; a helpful screening tool for vascular calcification.
Measurements can help detect anomalies earlier.

This assessment includes a radiologist report and a consultation with our doctor to review the findings. In addition to recommendations and medical interventions, the physician may also provide advice on lifestyle modifications that can help manage or prevent medical conditions.

*Patients will receive a copy of the scan report.

DexaCan is more than your average medical clinic.

How to Manage Heart Health and Protect Your Bones

These strategies can help you manage your heart health and keep bones healthy.

A healthy, nutritious diet. This is important for both heart health and bone health. A diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats, and is also rich in bone-healthy nutrients, can help prevent cardiovascular events, and osteoporosis. It can also help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and inflammation.

Regular exercise. Exercise has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing chronic diseases. By incorporating regular physical activity into your routine, you can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease and maintain good bone health throughout your life.

Maintain a healthy weight. While being underweight can increase the risk of osteoporosis, obesity can have a negative impact on heart health, leading to an increased risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions. Eating a nutritious diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight, as well as support overall health and well-being.

Quit smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and can also have negative effects on bone health, leading to decreased bone density and an increased risk of fractures. Quitting smoking is an important step in promoting good health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. If you're a smoker, talk to your healthcare provider about strategies for quitting and improving your overall health.

Moderate alcohol use. Excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on both heart and bone health. Heavy drinking can increase blood pressure, contribute to the development of irregular heart rhythms, and weaken the heart muscle. It can also interfere with the body's ability to absorb calcium, a key mineral for building and maintaining strong bones.Drinking in moderation is important for maintaining good health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Who Should Get a DEXA Scan?

A DXA assessment is suitable for people on weight management programs, athletes in training as well as men and women at risk of osteoporosis and bone fracture.

It is also used for monitoring certain diseases such as Sarcopenia and Lipodystrophy and the effects of some medical therapies.

Why choose DexaCan for your private DEXA body scan?

Leading Expertise

Advanced body composition analysis delivered by our experienced practitioner

Rapid Access

Innovative Diagnostic Imaging

The best technology available for assessing obesity, cardiovascular, and other metabolic diseases.

Safety & Comfort

Quick 3-5 minute scan. No injections, non-invasive, painless with no patient preparation required.

FAQS

Why might I need a bone density test?

A bone density test is mainly done to look for osteoporosis (thin, weak bones) and osteopenia (decreased bone mass) so that these problems can be treated as soon as possible. Early treatment helps to prevent bone fractures.

The complications of broken bones related to osteoporosis are often severe, particularly in the elderly. The earlier osteoporosis can be diagnosed, the sooner treatment can be started to improve the condition and/or keep it from getting worse.

What causes visceral fat?

A caloric surplus can result in excess visceral fat. Unsurprisingly, visceral fat develops as a result of adopting unhealthy lifestyle habits. Some of these factors include:

Little or no exercise or avoiding functional exercises that build muscle
Poor diet high in carbohydrates, saturated fat, and empty calories
Poor sleep habits
Stress
Excessive alcohol consumption
Smoking

For people living sedentary lifestyles, it is quite easy to pick up several of these unhealthy habits. Over time, these habits will lead to increased amounts of body fat, including visceral fat.

How accurate are DEXA scans?

DEXA scans offer a high degree of precision and accuracy. Medical experts consider DEXA scans to be an accurate test for diagnosing osteoporosis.

Unlike x-ray machines, DEXA machines are checked daily for their ability to measure bone mineral accurately, and no two DXA machines are exactly alike. That is why your healthcare provider will insist that you have all of your DEXA tests done on the same machine.

Why is body composition important to measure?

Most diet and fitness goals focus on weight loss or gain, overlooking that two people of the same sex and body weight may look completely different from each other because they have different body compositions. Measuring your body composition will tell you your own body’s unique makeup and help you identify areas to work on to improve your overall health and wellness.

Getting a better insight into your overall wellness starts with measuring your body composition and going beyond the number on the scale. You will know whether you need to gain more lean mass or lower body fat percentage to achieve a healthy body composition and a better level of health.

Does a DEXA scan provide a snapshot of my health?

Yes, a DEXA scan will shed light on bone health and risk of osteoporosis, visceral fat and risk of chronic disease, muscle imbalances and risk of overcompensation and injury. It also compares your results to others in your demographic (height, weight, age, sex.)