Know the Basics
CT Calcium Scoring is used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) at an early stage in patients who have risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms. CT Calcium Scoring calculates the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart. Over time, calcium build-up can narrow the arteries or even close off blood flow to the heart, which can result in chest pain or a heart attack.
CT Calcium Scoring is a convenient and non-invasive way of evaluating the coronary arteries.
Dig a Little Deeper
The procedure is usually performed in men age 45 or older and women age 55 or older. Besides age, other risk factors for CAD include:
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- High blood cholesterol levels
- History of cigarette smoking
- Obesity
- Physical inactivity
CT Calcium Scoring is not routinely covered by most health insurance plans and may be available only on a self-pay basis. If an abnormality is detected that requires further imaging tests or intervention, these additional procedures are usually covered by most health insurance plans.
