CT Calcium-Score Screening

WHAT IS CT CALCIUM-SCORE SCREENING

Coronary arteries are the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart. Plaque or calcium build-up in the coronary arteries causes heart disease or can lead to a heart attack. A coronary calcium-score screening may be ordered by a physician to detect this build-up. A calcium-score screening uses computerized tomography to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries of your heart. A higher score suggests you are at greater risk of significant narrowing of the coronary arteries and a higher risk of future heart attack.

THE CT HEART SCAN WITH CALCIUM SCORE PROCESS

During the process, the patient typically lies down on a comfortable table that slides into a large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner. The procedure is non-invasive and involves minimal discomfort. A radiologic technologist operates the scanner from an adjacent room, ensuring patient comfort and safety throughout. The scanner takes multiple cross-sectional images of the heart, which are then processed by a computer to create detailed pictures of the coronary arteries. Calcium deposits in the arteries appear as bright spots on the images, and a specialized scoring system quantifies the extent of calcification. The entire process is relatively quick, usually lasting just a few minutes, and requires no special preparation or recovery time, making it an invaluable tool for assessing an individual’s risk of heart disease.