Coronary Artery Calcification Scoring

What is the procedure?

This screening exam is extremely sensitive to the presence of calcium and can detect coronary artery disease at a very early stage, even before symptoms develop. Recent scientific studies suggest that the coronary artery scan may be more powerful than other non-invasive tests in early detection of coronary artery disease in apparently healthy people. Coronary artery calcification indicates the presence of coronary artery disease. The more calcium that is found, the more atherosclerotic disease there is in the coronary arteries.

What is coronary artery disease?

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death in America. The coronary arteries supply the heart with oxygen-rich blood. When the arteries narrow, less blood and oxygen flow to the heart. This is called coronary artery disease (CAD). Lack of sufficient oxygen to the heart may cause angina or a heart attack. Most cases of CAD are due to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), in which fatty deposits called plaques build up inside the coronary arteries, restricting blood flow. Coronary artery disease is associated with calcification in the blood vessels of the heart.

Should you have this test?

This test should be strongly considered by men over age 45 and women over age 50 with one or more of the following risk factors:

• Family history of heart disease
• Elevated cholesterol
• Cigarette smoking
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Excess weight
• Sedentary Lifestyle

50% of first heart attack victims have no prior symptoms.
Coronary artery disease can be treated, IF it is detected in time.

How is the test done?

Our multislice high speed GE Lightspeed™ CT scanner is capable of obtaining images six times faster than conventional CT scanners. This is combined with the latest computer software to capture clear images of the moving heart. During the coronary screening a series of images is obtained, covering the entire heart.

During the exam:

The test is simple and requires no preparation. During the test you lie on a table and hold your breath for approximately twenty seconds. After a few moments, when it is determined that the images are satisfactory, the exam is finished.
Coronary screening is quick, non-invasive and painless.

What if the test shows coronary artery calcification?

The test results are in the form of a “calcium score” which rates the extent of coronary artery disease found. A high score indicates a high likelihood of significant coronary artery disease.

A copy of the report including the calcium score will be sent to your doctor. The test results will guide you doctor in determining the proper course of treatment including diet, medication or further testing.