A coronary calcium scan is a quick, noninvasive test that identifies calcium deposits in your heart’s arteries. At California Cardiac Institute, we use this test to detect plaque buildup early, so you can take steps to lower your risk of heart disease and protect your long-term health.
Detect Plaque Buildup in Your Arteries
A coronary calcium scan is a CT imaging test that looks for calcium deposits in the arteries supplying your heart. These deposits are an early sign of plaque buildup, which can increase your risk for coronary artery disease. The scan is fast and painless and provides a clear picture of your heart health in just minutes. By measuring the amount of calcium present, this test helps your physician assess your cardiovascular risk and guide you toward the right preventive steps.
Coronary Calcium Scan Identifies:
- Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries
- Early signs of plaque buildup
- Risk level for coronary artery disease
- Potential for heart attack or stroke
Why is a Coronary Calcium Scan Done
A coronary calcium scan is performed to help detect the presence of calcium deposits in your heart’s arteries before symptoms appear. It provides valuable insight into your risk of developing coronary artery disease and helps your physician recommend steps to protect your heart health. By identifying plaque buildup early, this test allows for preventive measures that may reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and support long-term wellness.
You may need a coronary calcium scan if:
- You have high blood pressure
- You have high cholesterol levels
- You have diabetes or metabolic syndrome
- You smoke or have smoked in the past
- You are overweight or obese
- You have a family history of heart disease
What to Expect During Your Coronary Calcium Scan
During your coronary calcium scan, you will lie flat on a motorized table that moves slowly into a CT scanner equipped with multidetector technology. Electrodes will be placed on your chest and connected to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor to synchronize image acquisition with your heartbeat. This ensures the scanner captures high-resolution images during periods of least cardiac motion, typically mid-diastole. The test usually takes less than 10 minutes. We analyze the cross-sectional images of your coronary arteries for calcified plaque deposits. The calcium content is quantified using the Agatston scoring method, which considers the area and density of calcification. The resulting score helps us stratify your cardiovascular risk, ranging from minimal to severe, and allows us to determine whether additional diagnostic testing, medications, or preventive strategies are warranted for your heart health.
Interpreting Your Coronary Calcium Scan
After your coronary calcium scan, the results are reported as a calcium score using Agatston units, which measure the density and extent of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. This score is a reliable way to estimate your risk of developing coronary artery disease and guides us in planning the most effective preventive care for you.
Here is how the results are generally interpreted:
- 0: You have no detectable calcium and a very low risk
- 1 to 99: You have mild plaque buildup and low to moderate risk
- 100 to 299: You have moderate plaque buildup and an elevated risk
- 300 or higher: You have significant plaque buildup and a high risk
Schedule Your Consultation
California Cardiac Institute is committed to helping you live longer, healthier, and stronger by combining advanced medicine with preventive care. Our state-of-the-art imaging center features cutting-edge technology, including the coronary calcium scan, to detect heart disease risk early and accurately. Since heart conditions cannot wait, we proudly offer same-day appointments and accept walk-ins for your convenience. Schedule your coronary calcium scan today in Glendale and let our physicians guide you toward lasting wellness.
