CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring

CT Coronary Calcium score

This is a specialized x-ray test performed on a CT scanner which detects and measures calcified plaque in your coronary arteries.  Plaque can cause restricted blood flow and decreased oxygen delivery to your heart muscle which can cause chest pain (angina). Plaque also has the potential to rupture and cause a heart attack (myocardial infarction).  The information obtained from this test can help your doctor determine your risk level and decide on a treatment plan including lifestyle changes and/or medication (more in depth discussion can be found here).

• General CT Preparation:
  • The technician will ask you to remove clothing and metal objects which may compromise the quality of your CT. You will be provided with a private locked dressing room to store these items.
  • Please contact our office prior to your imaging if you have a metal prosthesis in the area being imaged.
  • We do not allow music during the exam as the technologist may need to give you breathing instructions and talk to you through exam.
• Specific exam preparation
  • No caffeine for at least 4 hours prior to the study.
  • Refrain from exercise the day of the exam.