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. If you do score greater than 0, the radiologist
may recommend a
Coronary CTA, which requires a contrast to deliver the best possible images.
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.
For more information, speak to your doctor or contact Gunnison Valley Health's
Diagnostic Imaging Department at
(970) 641-7253.
