What is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
Coronary calcium scans are performed with a CT machine which produces xrays and builds a 3D model of your heart to check for the buildup of calcium in plaque on the walls of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries). This provides a statistical score that is used as a screening tool along with your other risk factors to help your doctor determine your risk for future heart events. Coronary calcium scans are also called cardiac calcium scoring.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Normally, the coronary arteries do not contain calcium. Calcium in the coronary arteries is a sign of coronary artery disease (CAD).
Patients Who Benefit
Men 35 and older or women 45 and older with at least one coronary risk factor:
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Cholesterol
- Smoking
- Peripheral vascular disease
- More than ideal body weight
- Diabetes
Keto Diet Concerns
Recent studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can result in calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. It is advisable for keto dieters to get a coronary calcium scan to establish a baseline status of these arteries and their risk for developing CAD.
How the Test Works
Using SLHV’s 64-slice CT scan, technologists will create a clear, two-dimensional view of the heart and arteries. These images are analyzed for the presence of calcium within the arteries. Although actual scan time is about five to ten minutes, patients should allow for about 30 minutes for their appointment. For questions about the scan, give us a call at (314) 218-9656.
The coronary calcium scan is not for everyone: people who are pregnant, who already know they have heart disease and have had bypass surgery or coronary stents, and patients who weigh more than 400 pounds should not take the test.
Because of exposure to radiation, patients should be informed of the risk. The effective radiation dose from this procedure is equivalent to a chest xray. However, the potential benefit of the scan likely outweighs the minimal risk of the scan’s radiation exposure.
Coronary Calcium Scans are available at the SLHV office in Bridgeton at 3550 McKelvey Road on Wednesdays and Fridays. Call us today at (314) 741-0911 to make an appointment!
