Calcium Scoring
What is Calcium Scoring?
Calcium scoring is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart muscle). Calcified plaque results when there is a build-up of fat and other substances under the inner layer of the artery. This material can calcify which signals the presence of atherosclerosis, a disease of the vessel wall also called coronary artery disease (CAD). People with this disease have an increased risk for heart attacks. Over time, progression of plaque buildup (CAD) can narrow the arteries or even close off blood flow to the heart. The result may be chest pain, sometimes called "angina," or a heart attack.
Because calcium is a marker of CAD, the amount of calcium detected on a cardiac CT scan is a helpful prognostic tool. The findings on cardiac CT are expressed as a calcium score.
Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease (CAD):
- abnormally high blood cholesterol levels
- a family history of heart disease
- diabetes
- high blood pressure
- cigarette smoking
- being overweight or obese
-
being physically inactive
How should I prepare?
No special preparation is necessary for the calcium scoring test. You may continue to take your usual medications, but you should avoid caffeine and smoking for four hours before the exam. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your exam. You may be given a gown to wear during the procedure.
Metal objects including jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures and hairpins may affect the CT images and should be left at home or removed prior to your exam. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.
If you are scheduled for calcium scoring, arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and report to the Outpatient Registration Desk at Entrance 2 of the hospital. If you are not scheduled, if you have questions, or are unable to keep your scheduled appointment, call Scheduling at (22) 647-5008. You will need a doctor’s order to schedule an appointment.
How is the procedure performed?
The technologist begins by positioning you on the CT examination table, usually lying flat on your back or possibly on your side or on your stomach. Straps and pillows may be used to help you maintain the correct position and to hold still during the exam.
Electrodes (small, sticky discs) will be attached to your chest and to an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine that records the electrical activity of the heart. This makes it possible to record CT scans when the heart is not actively contracting.
Next, the table will move quickly through the scanner to determine the correct starting position for the scans. Then, the table will move slowly through the machine as the actual CT scanning is performed.
Patients are asked to hold their breath for a period of 10 to 20 seconds while images are recorded.
When the examination is completed, you will be asked to wait until the technologist verifies that the images are of high enough quality for accurate interpretation.
The entire procedure including the actual CT scanning is usually completed within 10 minutes.
Who interprets the results and how do I get them?
A radiologist will analyze the images and send a signed report to your physician or the physician who referred you for the exam, who will discuss the results with you.
