Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

Provides a measure of the plaque and calcium inside the artery vessels on/around the heart. It can help a physician determine the amount of narrowing and likelihood of a cardiac event, usually a heart attack or heart damage.

Heart attacks occur when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle is reduced or stopped. This happens when one or more of the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart muscle are blocked. It is often caused by the build up of plaque (deposits of fat-like substances), a process called atherosclerosis. The plaque can eventually burst, tear, or rupture, creating a “snag” where a blood clot forms and blocks the artery. Coronary heart disease affects 13 million people annually. Over 150,000 Americans under age 65 die due to cardiovascular disease each year. According to an American Heart Association survey, only 13 percent of women consider cardiovascular disease their greatest health risk. But statistics show that no disease, not even cancer, claims as many women’s lives as cardiovascular disease. It causes about a death a minute among females—nearly half a million female lives every year.

Procedure: This test is completed with the CT scanner. An individual lies fully clothed on the CT bed. He or she may need to remove his/her shirt to place EKG leads and remove undergarments with metal. Robes are provided. All metal on clothing and jewelry must be removed. The individual holds his or her breath three times according to directions during the scanning. Screening takes approximately five minutes.

Major risk factors for heart disease: tobacco use, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, overweight, physically inactive, and/or family history of heart disease.

Benefits of early detection:

• You may begin lifestyle changes that can reduce risk.
• Your physician may provide medical intervention to reduce risk, based on need.
• You can learn the signs and symptoms of heart attacks to decrease mortality.

You and your doctor can determine if this screening is appropriate for you based on your health history and risks. The U.S. Task Force of Preventive Services does not recommend for or against this screening.