This article was Written by Som A. Bailey, DO | Cardiologist and submitted to Knox Pages for publishing.
A coronary calcium score is a quick, noninvasive CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. The test takes only a few minutes, requires no IV or contrast dye, and can provide valuable information about your future risk of heart disease.
For many adults between the ages of 40 and 75 who have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, or a family history of heart disease, a calcium score can help determine whether more aggressive prevention is appropriate. A score of zero is reassuring for many patients, while higher scores indicate increasing plaque buildup and a greater risk of future heart attack.
A calcium score is not appropriate for everyone. Patients with active chest pain or known coronary artery disease often require different testing.
Talk with your healthcare provider about whether a coronary calcium score is right for you. Detecting heart disease before symptoms develop gives us the best opportunity to prevent heart attacks and maintain long-term cardiovascular health.
