CT Calcium Score tests are a key tool we use to identify the potential risk to patients of heart disease and as an indicator of overall cardiovascular health.
What is a CT Calcium Score?
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring uses a specialised scan of the heart to assess the presence of hard calcium deposits, or calcified plaque, in the arteries of the heart. The presence or build-up of calcified plaque can obstruct blood flow and increase the risk of heart-related conditions including chest pain and heart attack.
Where patients have high cholesterol levels, a family history of heart disease, or other risk factors, a coronary calcium test can be particularly useful as a tool that assists in identifying their overall risk of cardiovascular disease. Calcium scoring uses ultra-low radiation and requires no preparation or IV contrast.
What happens during a Calcium Score test?
- When you arrive at Imaging Associates, you will be asked to change into a gown which covers you from the waist up.
- Three ECG leads will be placed on your back, and you will be asked to lie down on the examination table with your arms positioned above your head.
- You will then be guided in and out of the scanner by the radiologist and asked to hold your breath for approximately 10 seconds. The scan itself should only take about 5 minutes.
- After the scan is completed, you can get dressed and resume your normal activities.
- Data from the coronary calcium scan is then analysed by a specialist radiologist to generate a Calcium Percentile score, which indicates the amount of calcium present in your coronary arteries relative to your age and gender. This information is included in the radiologist’s report which will be provided to your referring physician.
What are the benefits of Calcium Scoring?
- A calcium score test offers several potential benefits in terms of early detection and prevention of heart disease.
- By identifying calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, your doctor can assess your cardiovascular risk and in consultation with you, make informed decisions about the need for further investigation or treatment.
- Patients with high calcium scores may be referred to a cardiovascular specialist for additional evaluation or prescribed medication to lower their cardiovascular risk.
Imaging Associates remains committed to remaining at the forefront of technological and research based advancements in the delivery of the highest standard of care for our patients. Calcium CT Scans will continue to advance as an accurate and effective indicator of cardiovascular health and as an important risk assessment tool.
Book a Calcium Score test near you
Schedule a Calcium Score scan by completing our booking form or calling your nearest Imaging Associates radiology clinic now.
- Melbourne – Box Hill, Camberwell
- Gippsland – Drouin
Imaging Associates accepts all medical imaging referrals, even if written or printed on another radiology company’s request form.
What do you need to know?
A CT calcium score is a painless and non-invasive procedure, which involves no fasting or specific preparations by patients.
Typically, the examination takes about 5 minutes to complete.
What do we need to know?
Please advise us if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.
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