Calcium Scoring

By ferociousdigital | May 19, 2023

CARDIAC CALCIUM SCORING

With CT

Calcium Scoring at ZP

More than a million Americans have a heart attack each year, and nearly half of them are fatal. Over half the people who die from a heart attack have no symptoms.

Coronary Artery Disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States. Every 36 seconds one person dies from cardiovascular disease, and every 40 seconds someone suffers from a heart attack.

Fortunately, a Calcium Scoring test is a non-invasive test that uses a CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. In roughly ten minutes, this test can help determine your risk for a heart attack and predict your risk for future heart attacks.

About Calcium Scoring

What is it?

This non-invasive test uses a CT scan to measure the amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. The test measures your “calcium score," which helps your doctor calculate your risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD)-related events such as a heart attack or a stroke.

What does it show that other tests do not?

The calcium score test shows the amount of coronary artery calcium in the coronary artery plaque, which cannot be directly imaged non-invasively. In addition, the vessels of the heart are five times more likely than those of other organs to make plaque. So, if you want to get a good idea of whether or not you are a “plaque builder,” then a CT scan of the heart might predict other types of non-coronary diseases too.

Calcium Score Results

The greater the coronary calcium score, the larger the amount of plaque is in the artery wall, and the greater the risk of a heart attack. The calcium score is thus a good predictor of a heart attack.

No plaque. Your risk of heart attack is low.

Small amount of plaque. You have less than a 10% chance of having heart disease.

Some plaque. You have mild heart disease and a moderate chance of heart.

You have heart disease and plaque may be blocking an artery. Your chance of having a heart attack is moderate to high.

You have more than a 90% chance that plaque is blocking one of your arteries. Your chance of heart attack is high.

During the test

Calcium scoring scans take about five minutes and are painless. Electrodes will be attached to your chest and to an electrocardiograph machine that will record your heart’s electrical activity.

You will lie on a table that is attached to the CT unit. The table will move through the machine as you’re being scanned. You may be asked to hold your breath while images are recorded. Normal activities can be resumed immediately.

Learn About the different Types of CT Exams

Coronary CT Angiography

A Coronary CT is a radiological test that is used to create detailed three-dimensional images of the blood vessels in your heart, coronary arteries, heart chambers, coronary arteries, and pulmonary veins. Patients who are at risk of having blockages in the arteries can benefit from a CCTA scan, such as those with a family history of heart disease. A CCTA is faster, less invasive, and lower risk than an invasive catheterization.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Neurological CT

CT scans of the brain and spine can provide more detailed information about tissue and structures than standard X-rays of the head, and provide more information related to injuries and diseases of the brain and spine. CT scans are not used as often as MRI scans when looking at the brain or spinal cord tumors, but they can be useful in some cases. CT scans show greater detail of the bone structures near the tumor.

Body CT

CT of the abdomen and pelvis is a diagnostic imaging test used to help detect diseases of the small bowel, colon, and other internal organs and is often used to determine the cause of unexplained pain. CT shows bones, organs, and soft tissues more clearly than standard X-rays. CT scans are often used to show a tumor’s shape, size, and location. They can even show the blood vessels that feed the tumor, without having to go through an invasive surgical procedure.

CT Enterography

Musculoskeletal CT

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How to Prepare

No preparation is needed. Wear comfortable clothes and take your normal medications. Be sure to inform the receptionist and technologist if there is any chance of pregnancy.

Zwanger-Pesiri has been setting the standard in patient care in New York for over 65 years. We combine the latest and medical imaging, specialized radiologist, and patient-centric experience.