A diagnostic method that involves obtaining images of the heart and displays calcium as well as obstructions in the coronary arteries is known as a cardiac CT for calcium scoring examination, or simply calcium scoring. With the aid of photos, your doctor will be better able to identify any anomalies in your heart’s shape and blood-pump function.
Why Are Calcium Levels Measured In People?
Calcium scoring may be advised if your doctor believes that other tests, such as stress tests, electrocardiograms, echocardiograms, or chest X-rays, do not reveal enough information about your heart. A calcium scoring test can help your doctor learn more about the following subjects:
- Your heart’s structure and the effectiveness of its blood pump.
- Having a heart attack can cause harm to the heart’s muscles.
- The area around the surface of the heart is filled with fluid.
- the amount of plaque accumulation and the degree of coronary artery narrowing.
- Any deviations in the main blood vessels that leave the heart.
- Your chance of suffering a heart attack.
Is It Possible That It Might Aid In Diagnosing Heart Disease?
This test can be used to estimate the amount of calcium that is present in your heart’s arteries. Your calcium score gives your doctors a ballpark figure for the amount of plaque in your heart’s arteries that have already formed but hasn’t yet caused any problems. Your calcium score may help anticipate your risk of suffering a heart attack. It can also advise you and your doctor on how much more active you should be in reducing the risk factors for heart attacks. If you are deemed to be at “moderate” risk, this is very helpful to you.
For people who do not show signs of heart disease and have a low risk of having a heart attack, calcium scoring is not recommended as a regular screening method. If you’ve already had a heart attack, undergone coronary bypass surgery, or had a coronary stent implanted, calcium scoring won’t tell you anything more.
Before Beginning
If there is a chance that you might be pregnant, discuss with your physician or primary care doctor any recent diseases, conditions, and medications you are currently taking, as well as any allergies you may have. You will be given instructions advising you to abstain from eating or drinking for the entire four hours before the exam, as well as from smoking and ingesting caffeine.
Your doctor could advise taking specific medications if you’ve previously had an allergy to contrast material to lessen the likelihood that you’ll have an allergic reaction. These drugs must be taken at least 12 hours before your examination. Dress comfortably and loosely, and leave your jewelry at home. You might need to dress in a gown.
What Is Done Through The Calcium Scoring Test?
You will have to lie down on a table that is attached to the CT scanner for the duration of the examination. At this moment, monitoring electrodes will be affixed to your chest to observe your heart’s electrical signal activities. The electrodes are responsible for the crisp images that the computer generates when it is connected to the scanner. When you are prepared, the table will start to slowly move inside the machine. You are surrounded by the scanner in an arch, yet it never makes direct contact with you. The exam won’t cause any pain at all.
The technician will closely monitor you while he watches you through the window. You can speak with the person via a two-way intercom. The technician will give you instructions on how long to hold your breath for. Typically, the scanning procedure takes five to ten minutes. With your primary care physician, discuss the idea of getting a calcium score test.
