The goal of a Coronary Calcium Scoring CT is to alert patients of possible heart disease, so that steps can be taken to address potential issues. A heart scan, or Coronary Calcium Scan, is a specialized x-ray that can help your physician detect and measure calcium-containing plaque in the arteries that supply the heart with blood. Plaque inside the arteries of your heart can grow and restrict blood flow to the muscles of your heart. Measuring this calcified plaque may allow your physician to identify possible coronary artery disease before you have any symptoms.
Your physician will use your test results to determine what may be needed (medication or lifestyle changes) to reduce your risk of a heart attack or other heart problems.
In general, a Coronary Calcium Scoring CT is recommended for people between the ages of 40 and 70 who are at increased risk for heart disease. Increased risk may include:
- Family history of heart disease
- Past or present smoker
- History of high blood pressure, high cholesterol or diabetes
- Overweight
- Unhealthy diet
- Physical inactivity
- Heavy alcohol consumption
- Male gender
While a Coronary Calcium Scan measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, it does not definitively indicate that your arteries are actually blocked, or where blockages might occur. In other words, your Coronary Calcium Score does not indicate your absolute risk of a heart attack.
Coronary Calcium Scoring CTs are performed at Heritage Valley Beaver, Heritage Valley Kennedy and Heritage Valley Sewickley.
Please speak with your Primary Care physician or Cardiologist about scheduling this test.