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Calcium scoring, also called a heart CT scan, is a painless, non-invasive way of obtaining information about your coronary arteries. This screening provides pictures of your heart's arteries and identifies if calcium deposits are present – which helps determine if you have a higher risk of having a heart attack or other potential symptoms of heart disease.
What factors make you a good candidate for a Cardiac Calcium Scoring test?
Your doctor may want you to have a cardiac calcium scoring test if it can help you and your doctor make decisions about how to lower your risk for heart disease and heart attack. This test might be most helpful for people who do not have heart disease but who are at medium risk for heart disease. Your doctor can help you know your risk of heart disease and heart attack. Your doctor will look at things that put you at risk, including blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, and your age, sex, and race. Those who may best qualify for the test include:
Patients should refrain from all caffeine the day of their test and should have a resting heart rate of 120 bpm or less.
*Radiology reading is billed separately.
How does the test work?
The test measures the amount of calcium that has built up in your coronary arteries. It does not require any needles or other invasive measures. There are no preparations or medication changes, and you can resume all normal activities immediately afterward.
Results are recorded as a numeric score. The higher your score, the more calcium you have. A zero score means you have no calcium and are at low risk of having a heart attack in the next several years.
Because the test does involve a modest amount of radiation exposure, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology do not recommend the test for everyone, just for those at risk.