Cardiac scoring is a non-invasive imaging test used to help assess heart health. Other names for this test include coronary calcium CT scan, heart CT calcium scan and coronary artery calcium scan. All refer to the same thing: a quick, painless computed tomography scan used to discover and assess any build-up of calcium, fat and cholesterol, collectively called plaque, in the coronary arteries.
Healthy blood vessels are smooth and flexible, allowing blood to flow unobstructed. The formation of plaque in the coronary arteries causes them to become narrowed and stiff, a condition caused atherosclerosis, or “hardening of the arteries.” A higher calcium score indicates a greater likelihood of coronary artery disease (CAD). Knowing your cardiac score helps your medical care team have a greater understanding of your risk of heart attack and stroke.
WHO MAY BENEFIT FROM CARDIAC SCORING?
Your clinician may recommend a CT coronary calcium score exam if certain situations or conditions are present:
● Age Considerations: Men aged 40-70 and women aged 50-70 may benefit from cardiac scoring to discover plaque before it has a chance to cause a cardiac event or stroke.
● Risk Factors: Certain risk factors for coronary artery disease may warrant a coronary calcium score, such as:
○ Family History of CAD – A family history of heart disease or stroke, especially if it occurred in someone who was relatively young, may increase your risk.
○ Hypertension – High blood pressure increases your risk of CAD.
○ Smoking – Tobacco use significantly elevates your risk of developing heart disease.
○High Cholesterol – Elevated LDL cholesterol or apolipoprotein B (ApoB) levels can contribute to atherosclerosis.
○ Diabetes Mellitus – People with diabetes have an increased risk of CAD.
○ Obesity – A BMI of ≥30 may increase your risk of early development of CAD.
○ Chronic Kidney Disease
● Symptoms: Typically, coronary artery calcification produces no symptoms until a serious event occurs. But certain symptoms, such as chest pain during exercise, stress or cold weather, or shortness of breath, may indicate the need for a heart CT calcium scan.
● Uncertain Risk Profiles: For people at intermediate risk of heart disease, meaning they have moderate risk factors but no symptoms, a coronary artery calcium test can help find atherosclerosis before it progresses. A CAC test can determine how many plaque deposits are present, and how large and dense they are, so that if risk appears to be high, your healthcare team can employ strategies to help prevent a cardiac event or stroke.
● Preventive Screenings: Individuals may wish to discuss with their clinicians if a coronary calcium test may be a smart part of their preventive health screening. If you’re concerned about your heart health, it’s a good reason to have a conversation with your doctor. Your healthcare provider will assess your overall health profile and help you decide if a coronary calcium CT scan is appropriate for you.
It is important to note that while the coronary calcium score can provide valuable information, it isn’t for everyone. Certain circumstances, such as pregnancy and some health conditions, may preclude the use of a cardiac scoring test.
Also, remember that your cardiac score is just one piece of the puzzle. Your doctor will consider your score along with your medical history, lifestyle, and other factors to create a comprehensive assessment of your heart health.
WHAT IS A CONCERNING CORONARY CALCIUM SCORE?
The higher the CAC score, the higher the indication that a person may suffer a heart attack or stroke within the next 10 years. Coronary artery calcification scores are classified as follows:
● 0: No signs of calcified plaque deposits
● 1-99: mild plaque deposits
● 100-399: moderate plaque
● 400+: severe coronary artery calcification
In cases where any plaque is present, your medical provider may recommend further testing and lifestyle changes and/or prescription medication.
WHAT’S IT LIKE TO GET A CARDIAC SCORE?
Luckily, getting a cardiac scoring exam is quick and easy. While you can eat and drink prior to testing, patients are asked to stop caffeine and nicotine products four hours before the test. No contrast agent is used, so no injections are involved.
The CAC is performed as follows:
a. You'll be asked to lie down on a padded examination table.
b. Electrodes will be placed on your chest and attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) to monitor your heart rate during the scan.
c. The table will slide into the large, doughnut-shaped CT scanner.
d. You will be asked to hold your breath at certain points while the scanner takes detailed images of your heart and coronary arteries. While you may hear some whirring or clicking sounds during the scan, you won't feel anything. The test is completely painless.
e. The entire procedure takes about 10-15 minutes. Afterward, you’re free to return to your day as usual.
After your test, your Board-certified RAO radiologist will analyze the images to assess the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, and share this finding with your doctor, who will discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your heart health and CAD risk. Your doctor may recommend additional exams, such as stress tests or coronary angiography, to gather more information about the condition of your heart. Your doctor may also recommend regular follow-up appointments to monitor any changes in your condition.
COMPREHENSIVE CARDIAC CT SCREENING AT RAO
You’ll find CT for cardiac scoring at RAO’s TimberRidge Imaging Center, which is fully accredited in computed tomography by the American College of Radiology for safety, accuracy and state-of-the-art CT technology. With more than 50 years serving Marion County, RAO is a trusted leader in screening and diagnostic imaging, and safe and effective interventional care.
