Calcium Scoring (Heart) Overview

Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring is a painless, safe, and accurate test that can tell patients whether or not they are at risk for heart attack. Our imaging centers equipped with multi-detector CT scanners offer this screening exam.

By evaluating and measuring (scoring) the calcium build up in coronary arteries with multi-detector CT technology, we can estimate the risk for heart attack, giving patients the opportunity to seek treatment and make appropriate life-style changes.

This procedure requires no injections, treadmills, or any other preparation such as fasting. The entire exam usually takes about 10 minutes. Patients are required to hold their breath for approximately 20 seconds during the procedure. Radiologists, using special cardiac scoring software will interpret the information and provide a detailed report to the patients physician as well as a “layperson” report to the patient.

Learn more about calcium scoring at WebMD

NOTE:

You do not need a prescription to obtain this exam. Since this is a screening test, most insurance companies do not reimburse for its cost. If you have a commercial insurer, we encourage you to contact them to determine coverage.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Screening CT examinations of the heart, are not intended to take the place of your usual routine doctor's evaluations, but rather to give you and your doctor additional information on which to base lifestyle change and treatment decisions.

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Risk Factors for Coronary Artery Disease & Heart Attack

The goal of cardiac CT for calcium scoring is to determine if coronary artery disease (CAD) is present and to what extent, even if there are no symptoms. It is a screening study that may be recommended by a physician for patients with risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms.

Major risk factors for CAD are:

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Procedure: How is Calcium Scoring Performed?

The entire exam usually takes about 10 minutes.  You will be asked to lie down on your back and will be scanned in our CT Scanner. Special images are taken of your heart while you hold your breath for about 20 seconds. This procedure requires no injections, treadmills, or any other preparation such as fasting.

Radiologists will interpret the information using special cardiac scoring software that measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries.

Download our Calcium Scoring Details document

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Commonly asked questions...

What is cardiac calcium scoring?
Cardiac calcium scoring is a safe, painless, noninvasive and accurate test for your physicians to use to determine your coronary artery calcium content. A high calcium content could indicate evidence of coronary artery disease. Cardiac calcium scoring results will assist your physician in determining whether you are at risk for a heart attack.

How is cardiac calcium scoring performed?
You will be asked to lie down on your back and will be scanned in our CT Scanner. Special images are taken of your heart while you hold your breath for about 20 seconds. This procedure requires no injections, treadmills, or any other preparation such as fasting. Our physicians use special cardiac scoring software that will measure the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries and interpret that information.

Why should I have this test?
By evaluating and measuring the calcium build up in your coronary arteries, we can estimate your risk for heart attack, and give you the opportunity to seek treatment and make appropriate lifestyle changes, giving you peace of mind that you are now in charge of your health. However, if you are having symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, etc. contact your doctor immediately for an evaluation.

When can I expect my results?
You will receive a printout of your results before you leave.  In some instances, we may need to send the results to you by US mail in approximately one week. A copy will also be sent to the physician you designate. It is your responsibility to contact your physician for a follow up evaluation of any abnormal results (any score above zero).

How do I schedule to have this test performed?
We recommend that you and your primary care physician discuss whether this test is appropriate for you. You do not need a prescription to obtain this exam however you will need a physician referral. Calcium cardiac scoring is being performed in Concord Hospital radiology department and at Concord Imaging Center at the Pillsbury location on the Concord Hospital campus. Your physician should call 230-7274 to schedule your appointment.

How much does this test cost?
Please call our Billing Office at 603.228.1521 for up-to-date costing.  Since this is a screening test, most insurance companies do not reimburse for its cost. If you have a commercial insurer, we encourage you to contact them to determine coverage.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Screening CT examinations of the heart are not intended to take the place of your usual routine doctor's evaluations, but rather to give you and your doctor additional information on which to base lifestyle change and treatment decisions.

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