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Heart disease can sometimes develop without causing clear symptoms. A person may feel completely normal while changes are slowly taking place inside the blood vessels that supply the heart. This is why understanding your heart health and checking important risk factors can be valuable.
One test that can help doctors assess the risk of coronary artery disease is a Cardiac Calcium Score Test, also known as a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan.
It is a special CT scan that looks for calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart. The information from this scan can help doctors understand whether there are signs of calcified plaque and assess a person’s overall risk of heart disease.
A Cardiac Calcium Score Test is a non-invasive CT scan of the heart.
The test looks specifically for calcium that has built up in the walls of the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.
When plaque builds up inside an artery over time, calcium can develop within that plaque. The calcium score gives doctors an idea of how much calcified plaque is present.
The test is mainly used for heart risk assessment, especially when a person’s risk of coronary artery disease is not completely clear.
The inside walls of our arteries can change over time because of factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and ageing.
A condition called atherosclerosis occurs when plaque gradually builds up inside the arteries. Calcium can become part of this plaque.
The buildup may happen slowly, and many people do not notice any symptoms during the early stages.
A calcium scan can help identify calcified plaque before more serious heart problems develop.
A calcium scan is not required for everyone. A doctor may recommend it when additional information about heart disease risk could help with treatment or prevention decisions.
The test may be considered for people who have risk factors such as:
Your doctor will decide whether the test is suitable based on your overall health and individual risk.
The test is performed using a CT scanner.
You will lie on a scanning table while the CT scanner takes images of your heart. Small electrodes may be placed on your chest to monitor your heartbeat during the scan.
You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are captured.
The scan is usually completed quickly and does not involve surgery or an injection in a standard calcium scoring examination.
No. A cardiac calcium scan is generally quick, painless and non-invasive.
There are no cuts or needles involved in the usual test. You simply need to lie still and follow the instructions given by the scanning team.
For many patients, the entire experience is quite simple.
After the scan, the images are analyzed and a numerical score is given.
In general, a higher calcium score means that more calcified plaque has been detected in the coronary arteries.
A commonly used general guide is:
These numbers should not be interpreted on their own. Your doctor will consider your age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, family history and other factors when assessing your heart risk.
A score of zero means that no detectable calcified plaque was found during the scan.
This is generally associated with a lower risk of coronary heart disease compared with people who have detectable calcium.
However, a zero score does not mean that there is absolutely no possibility of heart disease. Calcium scoring is mainly designed to detect calcified plaque and may not identify all non-calcified plaque.
If you have symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, your doctor may recommend other tests even if your calcium score is zero.
A high calcium score indicates a greater amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
It does not necessarily mean that an artery is completely blocked. Instead, it provides information about the amount of coronary calcium and can help doctors understand your cardiovascular risk.
Depending on the result, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medicines or additional heart tests.
A Cardiac Calcium Score Test and a CT Coronary Angiogram (CTCA) are different examinations, even though both use CT technology.
A calcium score mainly looks for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and calculates a calcium score.
A CT coronary angiogram provides more detailed images of the coronary arteries and can help doctors evaluate narrowing or blockages.
The appropriate test depends on your symptoms, medical history and risk factors.
Preparation can vary between patients and diagnostic centers.
You may be advised to:
It is important to follow the specific preparation instructions given by your healthcare provider.
A Cardiac Calcium Score Test uses X-rays to create images of the heart, so it involves exposure to a small amount of radiation.
Modern CT scanners are designed to use radiation carefully while producing the images needed for the examination.
If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor or the imaging team before undergoing the scan.
Heart disease does not always begin with obvious symptoms. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking and family history can increase a person’s risk over time.
Knowing your risk can help you and your doctor make better decisions about prevention.
Along with appropriate medical tests, healthy habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco and regularly checking blood pressure and cholesterol can support better heart health.
When you need cardiac imaging or other diagnostic investigations, choosing a reliable Best scanning center in Malappuram can help you access appropriate imaging facilities and professional guidance.
For patients who require image-guided procedures or specialist minimally invasive treatment, a Best interventional radiology center in Malappuram can provide appropriate evaluation and treatment options when recommended by a qualified doctor.