What is A CALCIUM SCORING CT?
What is a Calcium Scoring CT?
Cardiac calcium scoring uses CT (Computed Tomography) scan to create images of the heart in a non-invasive manner. Calcium scoring is a screening exam performed on the CT scanner to determine if a patient has coronary artery disease (CAD). Many times, patients have no symptoms of this disease. Measuring the amount of calcium built up in the arteries, calcium scoring determines the presence of CAD. The extent of a patient’s CAD if found is also a result of this study.
What is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
Coronary artery disease- or CAD- has been found to be a leading cause of death for men and women in the US. The arteries supply blood to the heart. Overall wellness depends on healthy arteries. Cholesterol and plaque (calcium deposits) build up in the artery walls causing the walls to be hardened and narrow over time causing blockage of the artery. This blockage restricts the flow of blood to the heart and can cause a heart attack or permanent heart muscle damage. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) can also lead to heart failure cause by CAD which weakens the heart.
Who should get a calcium scoring CT?
Patients who are at risk for CAD should consider having this study. Patients may be at an increased risk if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
- High blood cholesterol level
- Family history of heart attack
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cigarette smoking
- Obesity or physical inactivity
How to prepare for a calcium scoring CT?
While there are typically no special preparation required for a calcium scoring exam, there are a few things to keep in mind including:
- Be prepared to pay out of pocket for the CT calcium scoring exam as most insurances do not cover this scan and photo identification
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of your exam
- Avoid clothing with metal zippers or snaps
- Take your normal medications as usual
- Always inform your technologist if you are pregnant or could be pregnant
