Coronary Calcium Scoring
Coronary calcium scoring is a test that detects and measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries.
 Calcium is a marker for atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease). The more calcium in your coronary arteries, the worse the disease. People can have significant disease without any symptoms. Coronary calcium scoring can help tell if coronary artery disease is present, thereby assisting to assess the risk of stroke or heart attack.This information, along with other indicators, can present an overall picture of your heart's health. As a result, you and your physician can select the most appropriate care plan.
Your doctor may decide to order this test if you have one or more of the following risk factors:
During the examination you will be asked to remove clothing from your upper body and put on a patient gown. Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads will be placed on your chest. The ECG leads are not painful when applied and consist of material with sticky backing that is easily removed after the scan.
You will be asked to lie down on the CT scanner table that will move you through a donut-shaped device.You will be asked to lie very still while the scan is being performed. You will be instructed when to hold your breath. There is no needle injection. The exam takes about 15-20 minutes from start to finish.
A radiologist will review the images and determine your calcium score. The results, with any recommendations, will be sent to your physician or available for you to collect.
Calcium Scores and Meanings
A normal calcium score is zero. Anything higher than zero means that there is atherosclerotic disease in the coronary arteries, (even if your calcium score is zero, you may have some atheroscleorosis in your coronary arteries). If your calcium score is between 1 and 10 and you are older than 40 years of age, you have a relatively low risk of significant coronary artery disease. If your calcium score is 11-100, it is likely that you have mild disease in your coronary arteries. Although your chance of having a serious blockage is low, it is not zero.
If your calcium score is between 101 and 399, it is possible that you have a significant blockage of your coronary arteries. The higher your calcium score, the more likely that a significant blockage is present. If your calcium score is 400 or higher, the probability that you have a significant blockage of your coronary arteries is high.
Your age is taken into consideration when determining your risk of coronary artery disease. A low score in an elderly patient is less concerning than the same score in a young patient. Knowing your calcium score gives you information about your risk of heart disease. You and your doctor can use this information to determine if any further tests should be performed and what lifestyle changes would benefit you.
Even patients with a low calcium score may develop serious blockage of the coronary arteries. If you should experience chest pain, heaviness, discomfort or shortness of breath, you should seek medical care immediately.
Patient Preparation
Results are best when your heart rate is relatively slow. You should avoid all stimulants, especially caffeine, and physical exercise prior to the scan. No coffee, cola or sports drinks for at least four hours prior to the scan. Plan your arrival at our clinic so that you are not rushed.
Examination Locations
Coronary calcium scoring can be performed at our Southport and Tweed Heads clinics.
Click here for a detailed list of our clinics and their contact details.
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