A calcium score exam can help your doctor assess your overall cardiovascular health. Cardiologists use this painless, noninvasive test to identify the amount of plaque buildup you may have in your coronary arteries. Knowing your score can help reduce the risk of a heart attack by alerting you to the presence of heart disease before you show any symptoms.
A calcium score test is a computerized tomography (CT) exam that takes pictures of your heart and surrounding areas to identify any calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. Based on the exam results, your cardiologist will calculate a coronary calcium score, also called a cardiac calcium score or coronary artery calcification (CAC) score. This score is a numerical figure that indicates how much plaque buildup, if any, exists in your coronary arteries.
Calcium, along with fat and cholesterol, is present in plaque that can build up in the coronary arteries over time. When this happens, the buildup narrows the coronary arteries and restricts blood flow that is essential for your heart to function properly. If plaque separates from the artery wall it can create a blood clot that could cause a heart attack.
The score is determined by performing a noninvasive heart CT scan. This specialized CT exam takes extremely detailed cross-sectional images of the coronary arteries. Any calcium buildup in the arteries will appear as specks of white matter. A high coronary calcium score indicates a higher risk of heart problems, including heart attack. A low coronary calcium score indicates a lower risk.
Your score result gives your physician information about your risk level for having a heart attack in the future. Based on your score, you may be advised to make lifestyle changes or begin taking medication to lower cholesterol or blood pressure.
People at risk for heart disease can benefit from knowing their coronary calcium score. Common risk factors that may suggest a heart scan is needed include:
Calcium scoring is appropriate for people who are identified as having an elevated risk of heart disease but have not been diagnosed with coronary abnormalities. It is intended to help assess the level of risk that exists for developing heart disease in the future. This test is not appropriate for people who have already been diagnosed or treated for heart disease, people who are exhibiting coronary symptoms, or people who do not have risk factors. Pregnant women should not have a calcium score test.
A noninvasive calcium score test usually takes less than 15 minutes.
Before the test, it is important to alert your provider if there is any chance of pregnancy. You will be given a hospital gown to wear and will be advised to remove any metal from the area to be scanned. Male patients with chest hair may be required to shave/remove hair before the exam.
The technologist will ask you to lie down flat on your back on the exam table. Next, they will clean areas on the chest with a cleaning solution and attach electrode sensors which connect to the electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. If your resting heart rate is greater than 90 beats per minute, please inform us when scheduling your exam so that we can assign you to the most suitable scanner.
While lying on your back, the exam table will move you in and out of the scanner as it takes pictures. The technologist can see you throughout the entire test, and you will be able to hear and speak with the technologist, if needed, between preparation steps.
The EKG machine measures your heart activity during the scan. Based on the timing of your heartbeat, the technologist will take pictures during times when the heart muscles are relaxed. You will be asked to hold your breath for 10-20 seconds to ensure the best possible images. After your scan is complete, the care team will use computer software to analyze the images for any evidence of calcium buildup in the arteries, and a report is generated for your physician.
Test results are usually available within a few days. No downtime is needed, and patients can resume normal activities immediately.
A coronary calcium score is a numerical figure that can range from 0 to more than 1,000. The higher the score, the higher the risk of heart disease.
No calcium is identified. This suggests a low risk of having a heart attack.
A mild level of plaque is identified, suggesting a slight risk of a heart attack or heart disease during the next three to five years.
A moderate level of plaque is identified, suggesting a significant risk of heart attack or heart disease during the next three to five years.
This indicates a severe risk of heart attack or heart disease during the next three to five years.
Patients who are at an increased risk of heart disease, but whose calcium score is zero, may be advised to repeat the test in three to five years. If calcium buildup is identified during the test, a repeat calcium score test is not needed. Instead, patients should work with their cardiologists to manage any problems that are identified.
Very few people experience negative side effects during coronary calcium scoring. Because CT scanning uses X-ray technology, there is minimal exposure to radiation.
Heart scans to determine a coronary calcium score are covered by most insurance plans with prior approval and when deemed medically necessary.
To learn more about coronary calcium scoring or coronary artery disease, speak with your primary care physician or cardiologist. Based on your specific health needs, your physician may recommend this preventive exam.
If you’d like a referral to a heart and vascular specialist or want more information about our services, please fill out the form below or call us at (713) 219-3519. For other inquiries, such as obtaining medical records, imaging reports or test results, please call (713) 222-CARE (2273).
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