Coronary Calcium Scoring

Because a coronary calcium scoring scan exposes you to radiation, the scan is not recommended for people when the risk outweighs the potential benefit. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association set guidelines around people who should not receive a coronary calcium scoring scan, including:

• Men under 40 years old or women under 50 years old. Calcium typically is not detected in people under these ages.
• People who do not have a family history of heart attacks at a young age.
• People who have a high risk of developing heart disease. If you are a heavy smoker or have unmanaged diabetes, this test is not likely to help guide your treatment plan.
• People who have already been diagnosed with heart disease or are experiencing symptoms. The test will not help your doctor better understand the disease progression.
• People who have had an abnormal coronary calcium scoring scan previously.

Because a coronary calcium scoring scan uses X-rays to obtain the images, it emits radiation. The radiation exposure is minimal and considered safe. Your doctor can help determine if the benefits outweigh the risk in your specific case.

Your radiology technologist will attach electrodes to your chest that connect to an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An ECG or EKG will record the activity of your heart during the exam and helps to determine when to get the X-ray images – typically between heartbeats when the heart muscle is relaxed.

You will be asked to lie on a moveable table that slides into a CT scanner. While your body is in the scanner, you will be asked to periodically lie still and hold your breath while the pictures are taken. The test takes approximately 15 minutes.

A calcium scan can show if you have plaque building up in the arteries in your heart. Your calcium score can range from 0 to more than 400.

• 0 – no identifiable disease
• 1 – 99: mild heart or vascular disease
• 100 – 299: moderate heart or vascular disease
• 300 or higher: severe heart or vascular disease

The higher your score, the more likely you are to experience a cardiac event in the near future. Even if you have a score below 10, you should take active steps to prevent the progression of your heart disease.

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan customized for you. Treatment may include:

• Lifestyle changes, such as exercising, eating a healthier diet or stopping smoking
• Prescription medications – medications called statins can help stabilize plaque in the vessels and prevent them from rupturing.
• Additional testing

A coronary calcium scoring scan is not covered by insurance – the test costs $109.

A coronary calcium scoring scan requires a physician referral. To schedule an appointment, call 770-219-7666 and select option 1. Results will be sent to your doctor within 48 hours.