Calcium Score, CT scan



Calcium score is a test for detecting calcium deposits present in the coronary arteries. The CT scan method is the highest sensitive application used for detecting calcification of coronary arteries from atherosclerosis. This method of detecting can be done even before symptoms develop. If the coronary calcium level is increased it could be indicative of high coronary atherosclerosis, thereby suggesting a likelihood of considerable narrowing in the coronary system and is an indication of higher risk of impending cardiovascular events. There are various coronary diseases that skip the detection during CT scan, it becomes essential to remember that this test in insufficient in predicting heart attacks that are indeed life-threatening events.

The calcium score test is recommended by physicians to screen the heart because it helps in evaluating the risk for future coronary artery disease. People who are at increased levels of risk are individuals with certain traits such as family history of this disease, female over 55 years or a male over 45 years, a smoker, high cholesterol or blood pressure, overweight, diabetes or inactive lifestyle. All these factors enhance the risks; doctors first analyze all these traits before recommending a calcium score test.

A calcium score test procedure is as follows: First, you call for an appointment, then, the scheduler will demand necessary information regarding your primary physician, if any. Secondly, before the test, an analysis of your blood lipid or cholesterol factors that will require you to fast for 12 hours before the examination, but can be done in one day. You can continue your medications, if any, as usual with water. CT scanners make use of x-rays and the safety of a patient is factored in with the radiation amount of exposure is adjusted to minimum. X-rays can be harmful for developing fetus so this is not recommended for pregnant women. You should also inform your doctor and your technologist if you are pregnant or think that you may be pregnant, or if you are already have undergone other forms of radiation therapy.

This test begins with a nurse recording your weight, height, blood pressure and lipid analysis. Lipid analysis is done by drawing your blood. Then you are asked to lie on a scanning table and the technologist cleans and sticks the electrode patches on your chest areas. These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiograph monitor that charts the electrical activity of your heart. During the scanning process, you can feel the table moving while the CT scan captures the images synchronizing your heartbeat. This is then analyzed with a sophisticated computer program and guidance of a cardiovascular radiologist.

The exam is considered as negative if calcium is absent and it excludes the soft plaque's presence. The presence of calcium is indicated on the computer as a calcium score that evaluates the level of coronary artery disease. This scan takes only a few minutes and you can pursue all other activities normally and also eat as usual. The computer determines the density number and evaluates the calcium score, taking into consideration all other measurements.