What is a Calcium Score?
Computed tomography (CT) heart scans have the ability to calculate a calcium score. The calcium score reflects the total amount of calcium that has built up in the coronary arteries of the heart. The accumulation of calcium commonly occurs with aging, and is located in the heart valves as well as the blood vessels of the heart. Increased calcium deposits correlate with the accumulation of "plaque" in the coronary arteries, and can lead to blockage of the coronary arteries (the small arteries that supply blood to the heart itself). If a coronary artery is slowly narrowed due to calcium, the lack of blood flow can lead to chest pain (also called "angina"). Areas of extensive calcium deposits may lead to complete blockage of a coronary artery. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a "heart attack" will occur. Calcium scoring is often used in conjunction with coronary artery CT angiography, which provides detailed images of the coronary arteries.
A calcium score provides a patient with a general risk assessment for cardiac events. A calcium score does not directly evaluate an individual blockage in a coronary artery. The calcium score represents the total accumulation of calcium in all the coronary arteries. In general, patients with a high calcium score have a higher risk of a heart attack than those with a low calcium score. The calcium score should be used in conjunction with other risk factors, including cigarette smoking, cholesterol levels, family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, and the presence of diabetes to determine if there is a risk for a heart attack. A calcium score CT scan is most often recommended for men who are 45 years or older and women who are 55 years and older or postmenopausal. If a patient has a high calcium score, the physician may recommend more aggressive treatment or an angiogram study to look directly at the coronary arteries.
A calcium score can be determined with "EBT" or "multislice" computed tomography. Previously, calcium scores were often performed using "EBT" technology, but new generation multislice scanners are equally as accurate in determining calcium scores and have the added benefit of visualizing the coronary arteries with CT angiography. Advanced Imaging Newport Coast offers state-of-the-art 64-slice computed tomography.
More Information about Calcium Score in Newport Beach, Orange County
You should speak with your physician about the advantages and disadvantages of a CT calcium score to determine if the exam is right for you. For more information regarding a calcium score, please see the links below.
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