As the name suggests a calcium-score screening heart scan is an X-ray scan which determines the amount of calcium build up in the walls of the heart. This is a fairly new diagnostic procedure and is used to determine the severity of calcium buildup on the arteries of the heart and the extent of heart disease.
What is the principle of calcium-score screening heart scan ?
A calcium-score screening heart scan, is a CT scan imaging of the heart which determines the amount of calcium deposits on the walls of the blood vessels. The CT scan images the heart muscles and blood vessels and slices which are then used to analyze the amount of calcium deposits in the blood vessels.
How a calcium scan can determine the severity of heart disease ?
Calcium is normally not found in the walls of the blood vessels of the heart. Calcium build up in the heart is considered to be a sign of coronary artery disease.
When is a calcium-score screening heart scan advised ?
The test is best advised in individuals who are at a moderate risk of heart disease due to various reasons, could be hereditary, lifestyle habits or smoking. The test is usually advised in individuals in their 4-5th decade.
When is calcium-score screening heart scan not advised ?
A calcium-score screening heart scan test is not advised in individuals who are at a very low risk or very high risk for heart disease, as very low levels of calcium will not be detected on the scan and in case of severe heart conditions, other methods of diagnosis and treatment are more reliable. The test is not advised in women who are pregnant, hence it is important to inform your physician or cardiologist if you are pregnant. The test is usually not indicated in individuals below the age of 40 years as usually the calcium buildup in the blood vessels in younger individuals is much lesser.
How do you prepare for a calcium-score screening heart scan ?
Before getting the calcium-score screening heart scan done, your doctor or your cardiologist will do your complete a physical and general examination to see if you are a suitable candidate for the same. You will be asked to avoid taking caffeine and stop smoking as it may affect the outcome of the test. It is also important to ask your treating doctor about risks and benefits of the same before deciding to get a calcium-score screening heart scan done.
Who performs the calcium-score screening heart scan ?
The calcium-score screening heart scan is performed by a radiologist or your cardiologist who is thoroughly trained and specializes in calcium score screening heart scan.
What happens during calcium-score screening heart scan ?
You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and will be made to lie down on an examination table which has the CT scan image detectors. The technician will attach the ECG electrodes to your chest to record the activities of heart during the procedure, which also helps in appropriate imaging of the heart muscles. The CT scanner creates multiple images of the heart during the scan which are then assessed to evaluate the amount of calcium deposits on the blood vessels of the heart. The entire test takes about 20 minutes and you will be asked to stay still for a few minutes during the procedure. The images are then scored for the calcium deposits and the risk of a coronary heart disease is assessed. You can ask your radiologist or the treating doctor to explain you about the various scoring systems.
The commonly used scoring system is the Agatson score which determines the total area of calcium deposits and density of the calcium. A score of 0 means very less likelihood of a heart disease, a score between 100-300 signifies moderate calcium deposits, whereas a score of 300 and above is suggestive of coronary artery disease and increased risk of heart attack.
What are the risks associated with calcium-score screening heart scan ?
It is a diagnostic procedure which uses X-ray’s for imaging of the heart, hence exposure to radiation can result in side effects. The test is not advised in patients with very low risk or very high risk of heart disease, as this test alone cannot confirm the presence and severity of heart disease. Claustrophobic patients might have the fear and uncomfortable feeling test, hence it is important to understand the procedure before going ahead with it.
Does calcium-score screening heart scan a confirm a heart disease ?
No, calcium-score screening heart scan alone cannot diagnose the extent and severity of coronary heart disease, hence it is usually performed along with other cardiology diagnostic tests.
Disclaimer: The content provided here is meant for general informational purposes only and hence SHOULD NOT be relied upon as a substitute for sound professional medical advice, care or evaluation by a qualified doctor/physician or other relevantly qualified healthcare provider.
