What is CT Calcium Scoring of Heart?

CT Calcium Scoring, also known as Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart. It is carried out to measure the amount of calcium present in the walls of the arteries supplying the heart. The amount of calcium detected is used to compute a score which provides an indication of the risk of future coronary artery disease.

• Procedure: The procedure involves a CT scanner that uses X-rays to create detailed images of the heart and its blood vessels. The scan is completely painless and typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Score: The score ranges from 0 (no calcium) to more than 400 (high amount of calcium). A higher score indicates a higher risk of heart disease.
• Benefits: CT Calcium Scoring is an effective tool for identifying the presence and extent of unnoticed coronary artery disease. Individuals who are at an intermediate risk of heart disease benefit the most from this test as it helps doctors in deciding the course of preventive measures and treatments.
• Risks: Like any medical procedure, CT Calcium Scoring does have risks. These include exposure to a small amount of radiation and potential false-positive results that may lead to unnecessary follow-up procedures and treatments.
• Preparation: No special preparation is needed prior to the scan. However, patients are advised not to consume any caffeinated products or smoke for at least 4 hours before the test as these can affect the heart rate.

Cardiac CT for calcium scoring is a heart-imaging test that helps determine if plaque or calcium deposits are present in the arteries of the heart. This test is required in the following scenarios:

• When a patient displays symptoms of heart disease, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting spells. These symptoms might be due to coronary artery disease, where the heart's blood supply is blocked or interrupted by a build-up of fatty substances.
• The procedure can be used as a preventive measure to assess risk in individuals who have no symptoms but have risk factors for heart disease. Risk factors include high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, being physically inactive, being overweight or obese.
• CT calcium scoring is often required for people over the age of 40, or post-menopausal women, who have at least one other heart disease risk factor.

The CT Calcium Scoring exam is particularly beneficial for certain groups of people:

• People who have a family history of heart disease. If your parents or siblings have had heart attacks or have been diagnosed with heart disease, you are considered more at risk.
• Individuals with high cholesterol levels. Excessive cholesterol can lead to the buildup of plaques in the arteries, which can lead to heart disease.
• Those with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can strain your heart, damage blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney problems and heart failure.
• Smokers are more likely to require a calcium score test. Smoking damages the lining of your arteries, leading to a buildup of fatty material (atheroma) which narrows the artery.
• Diabetics are also at higher risk and can benefit from a calcium scoring test. Diabetes greatly increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

CT Calcium Scoring measures the amount of calcium in the plaques present in the coronary arteries. Here are the specific things measured:

• The area and density of the calcified plaque. A larger area and higher density indicate more severe disease.
• The total calcium score (Agatston score), which is a sum of the scores of all lesions identified in the coronary arteries. A higher score indicates a higher risk of heart attack.
• The location of the calcium within the coronary artery system. Calcium in the left main coronary artery or in multiple segments indicates a higher risk of heart attack.
• The number of coronary arteries involved. The involvement of multiple arteries indicates a higher risk of heart attack.

• CT Calcium Scoring, also known as Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, is a non-invasive procedure that uses a computed tomography (CT) scan to detect and quantify the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries.
• The methodology begins with the patient lying on a narrow table that slides into the center of a CT scanner. The scanner then rotates around the patient's body and takes images of the heart from different angles, which are used to create a 3D image.
• The presence of calcium in the coronary arteries is a sign of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD). The greater the amount of calcium, the higher the risk of a heart attack.
• The calcium score is calculated by multiplying the area of the calcified plaque by a density factor. The scores of all individual lesions are then added to give the total calcium score.
• The score is interpreted in the following way: a score of zero means no calcium is present, indicating a low likelihood of CAD, while a score of 400 or more indicates extensive atherosclerotic plaque and a high likelihood of CAD.

• Before the CT calcium scoring, patients are advised not to consume caffeine or smoke for at least 4 hours prior to the test, as these can affect the heart rate.
• Patients should wear comfortable clothes without any metal objects as these can interfere with the imaging.
• Patients should inform the doctor about any recent illnesses or medical conditions, and if there is a possibility that they could be pregnant.
• It is also important to discuss with the doctor about any allergies, especially to iodinated contrast materials, and any medications being taken, including herbal supplements.
• Patients should not eat or drink anything, except for medications, for at least four hours before the test.

• The patient will lie on a narrow table that slides into the center of the CT scanner. The patient might be connected to a monitor that tracks heart rate and blood pressure.
• The technician may use straps to help the patient stay still during the scan. It is important for the patient to remain as still as possible to get clear images.
• During the scan, the table will move slowly through the machine as the X-ray tube rotates around the body. This movement is so smooth that many patients are not even aware it is happening.
• The patient will be asked to hold their breath for a short period while the images are taken. The scan itself usually takes less than 15 minutes, and the entire process, including preparation, typically lasts about 30 minutes.

• CT Calcium Scoring, also known as Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart. It calculates the amount of calcified plaque inside the coronary arteries. The score provides an idea about the risk of developing heart disease or having a heart attack.
• The score ranges from 0 to over 400. A score of zero means no calcium is seen in the heart. It suggests a low chance of developing a heart attack in the future. When the score is above zero, it means that there is some risk of heart disease. The higher the score, the higher the risk.
• A score of 100-300 signifies moderate plaque deposits. It's associated with a relatively high risk of heart attack or other heart diseases over the next three to five years. A score above 300 indicates large amounts of plaque buildup and a high risk of heart disease and heart attack.

• High blood pressure: hypertension can cause hardening and thickening of the arteries, leading to a buildup of plaque.
• High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in your blood can increase the risk of formation of plaques and atherosclerosis.
• Smoking: Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, and carbon monoxide can damage their inner lining, making them more susceptible to atherosclerosis.
• Diabetes: High blood sugar contributes to higher deposits of fatty materials on the insides of blood vessel walls. These deposits may increase the risk of calcification.

• Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight and obesity are linked with several heart disease risk factors including high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. Controlling your weight can lower these risks.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels. The Surgeon General recommends that adults should engage in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week.
• Quit smoking: Smoking lowers your body's supply of oxygen and causes your heart to work harder. Quitting will lower your risk of heart disease and improve your overall health.
• Limit alcohol: Drinking too much alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Avoid drinking too much alcohol, which can also contribute to heart disease.

• Following the scan, you can usually go about your day as usual. However, the results of your scan may indicate that you need to make lifestyle changes to help reduce your risk of heart disease.
• If your score is high, you should discuss with your doctor about ways to lower your risk of heart disease. This might include medications to control blood cholesterol and blood pressure, lifestyle changes, or even surgery in some cases.
• Keep eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco smoke. These lifestyle modifications can have a big impact on your heart health.
• Remember to have regular check-ups with your doctor, especially if you have a high score. Regular monitoring is essential to manage your heart health effectively.

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