Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring & Cardiac CT Angiography
Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring
Cardiac CT for calcium scoring (or heart CT scan) is a 10-15 minute test
to determine the level of calcium in the coronary artery of your heart.
The coronary arteries are the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to
the heart. Plaque — made of fat, calcium and other substances —
can build up and narrow or close the arteries. The coronary calcium scoring
test allows doctors to look at the arteries of your heart from outside
the body to check for blockages that cause heart attacks. This simple,
non-invasive and painless procedure can detect the presence of coronary
artery disease long before it becomes symptomatic.
By catching heart disease early through Coronary Calcium Scoring, preventative
measures can be taken to reduce the risk of a heart attack and sudden
cardiac death.
Who should have the calcium scoring test?
Coronary calcium scoring is for adults within 45-80 years old who have
one or more risk factors for heart disease, such as:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Tobacco use
The coronary calcium scan is a better predictor of coronary events than
cholesterol screening or other risk factor assessments and could save
your life.
How much does this test cost?
This test does not require a doctor’s order and only costs $149.
You can check with your insurance provider to see if this test is covered
in your plan.
For more information, speak to your physician. To make an appointment contact
Gunnison Valley Health’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at 970-641-7253.
What happens during a heart CT Scan
The procedure is performed by a CT technologist with the assistance of
a radiologist.
Once you arrive, you will change into a gown. The procedure is performed
by a CT technologist who will explain the procedure to you and escort
you to the CT room.
You will lie on your back on the CT table and EKG electrodes will be placed
on your chest to monitor your heart rate. The CT table will move in very
small increments every few seconds and take pictures.
You may be asked to hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds, and you will
need to hold perfectly still. Even though you will be left alone in the
room, the technologist will watch you through a window, and you will be
able to speak to him or her.
The scan takes approximately 20-30 seconds, but from start to finish it
takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
Calcium Score Results
The purpose of the test is to understand your risk of a heart attack, taking
preventive or corrective measures based on the results.
If you have any plaque present (a score greater than 0), your doctor may
make recommendations for lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking,
eating better and exercising more. The higher your score the more treatment
your doctor may recommend.
However, the result of a heart scan shouldn't be used as a single predictor
of your overall health and risk of heart disease. It's best used when
combined with other health information.
The Coronary Calcium Score
|
Calcium Score
|
Implication |
Risk of Coronary Event |
|
0
|
No identifiable plaque |
Very low, generally less than 1 percent. No follow up necessary. Retest
in 5 years.
|
|
1-99
|
At least minimal atherosclerotic plaque |
Mild or minimal coronary narrowings likely. Patient instructed to follow
up with Primary Care Provider. |
|
100-399
|
At least moderate atherosclerotic plaque |
Mild coronary artery disease highly likely, significant narrowings possible.
Patient instructed to follow up with Primary Care Provider. |
|
400-999
|
Extensive atherosclerotic plaque |
High likelihood of at least one significant coronary narrowing. Patient
instructed to follow up with Primary Care Provider, Lipid Specialist,
or Cardiologist. |
|
1000 or above
|
Very extensive atherosclerotic plaque |
Schedule
SAME DAY follow up with Primary Care Provider or Cardiologist.
|
Benefits
- Cardiac CT for calcium scoring is a convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating
whether you may be at increased risk for a heart attack.
- The exam takes little time, causes no pain, and does not require injection
of contrast material.
- An EBCT scan takes less than 20 minutes and you can return to normal activities
immediately afterward.
- No radiation remains in a patient's body after a CT examination.
- X-rays used in CT scans should have no immediate side effects.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the calcium score test?
The coronary artery calcium score test is a diagnostic screening test for
the presence of blockages that can cause heart attacks. This test is very
important as waiting for symptoms is not a wise approach. 50% of Americans
find out they have heart disease by either a heart attack or sudden death as the 1st symptom.
What is coronary calcium?
The arteries that bring blood to the heart can sometimes become blocked
leading to a heart attack. Theses blockages are often form by calcium.
Is the test invasive?
No. The calcium score test is done in the open CT scanner. It is one of
the most patient friendly tests available and the patient will only be
in the CT scanner for a couple of minutes. There is no patient prep or
recovery time and no needles or contrast involved.
What if I have a high score?
Most people will have very early stage disease or no blockages, however
if you are found to have a high score we will advise you to follow-up
with your physician, lipid specialist and/or a cardiologist for further
evaluation. While disappointing, it is far better to find a high score
than ignore it and wait for a heart attack to be the first sign something is wrong.
What is the calcium score test?
The coronary artery calcium score test is a diagnostic screening test for
the presence of blockages that can cause heart attacks. This test is very
important as waiting for symptoms is not a wise approach. 50% of Americans
find out they have heart disease by either a heart attack or sudden death as the 1st symptom.
Will my insurance pay for the test?
Since the calcium score test is a screening test not all insurance companies
are paying for it. We do suggest you check with your insurance provider
to see if this test is covered in your plan.
Should I have the test if I am already taking medicine to lower my cholesterol?
Even if you are taking a statin to lower cholesterol it is important to
have this test. The test will determine if you have actual blockages in
the arteries of your heart. Lowering cholesterol is important, but it
is also vital to learn if you have blockages that could cause a heart attack.
Should I stop taking my calcium pills my doctor gave me?
Calcium as prescribed by your doctor is important for bone health and is
very different from calcium found in the arteries of the heart. They are
unrelated and you should not stop taking your supplement.
How often should I take the test?
If you are low risk, it is important that you do take the test every three
(3) years to ensure your calcium levels have not changed.
For more information, speak to your physician. To make an appointment contact
Gunnison Valley Health’s Diagnostic Imaging Department at 970-641-7253.