Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring

Cardiac calcium scoring is a noninvasive CT scan of the heart that tests your risk of heart disease by measuring calcium levels that indicate plaque buildup in the arteries. Plaque can begin building up in the arteries before symptoms of heart disease become apparent, so a cardiac calcium score can be used for early detection of coronary artery disease or other heart disease risk factors. If calcium is detected in the arteries, then atherosclerosis (narrowing and stiffening of the arteries) has already begun.

Before your test, you will be asked to wear a medical gown and remove any jewelry from your neck and chest area. An electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) will be used to help guide your calcium scoring, so you will have small, painless electrodes placed on your chest. The EKG will monitor your heartbeat and allow the technician to take x-ray images of the heart between beats, when the muscle is relaxed. Your body will be inside a CT scanner, but your head will remain outside the whole time. The whole procedure should only take between 10 - 15 minutes.