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Coronary Artery Calcium Score

What is a Calcium Score?
A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is a screening test that is used to calculate or quantify the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries that feed the heart.   The higher your number or score on the test, the higher your risk for a heart attack. 


The coronary arteries provide the blood supply to the heart itself.  The heart has 3 main coronary arteries and each have branches that supply blood to certain areas of the heart.  When arteries are highly calcified they become harrow and develop what is known as plaque.  This plaque is at risk of developing clots and becoming completely occluded or blocked.  When a coronary artery becomes blocked by a clot, the heart will not get enough blood supply, and a heart attack will occur. 


What is the purpose of a Calcium Score?
The purpose of the CAC score is to determine if a patient is at high risk for coronary artery disease, which can lead to a heart attack.   The American Heart Association recommends this test for people over 40 years of age with risk factors for heart disease.  Studies show that in general, a high calcium score is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack and stroke.  The lower the calcium score, the lower the risk. 


How is a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score Performed?
The calcium score is performed on a Siemens Dual Source – 128 slice CT scanner.  The procedure takes only a few minutes to complete and involves no injections.  Lying down and holding your breath for 10 seconds completes the heart scan.   Within minutes, you receive a printout with your score including an explanation of the results.


The following is a basic guide:


0
 Normal (no evidence of hard calcified plaque)
1-99
 Mild to moderate amount of hard plaque
> 100
 Significant amount of hard plaque and these patients are strongly encouraged to see a cardiologist for evaulation

 

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