dexa scan for body weight composition and visceral fat scans in Okanagan valley

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.
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DexaCan Plan Options

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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

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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

Contact us now for an appointment, with or without a referral.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)

Please contact us with questions, or to schedule an appointment. We are always happy to hear from you.

Or call us during clinic hours at 778-760-2161.

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