Coronary Calcium Scoring

To evaluate the presence and location of calcium (fatty, hard deposits or plaque) in your coronary arteries, your Cottage Health doctor may recommend coronary calcium scoring, a noninvasive heart-imaging test.

Evaluating Coronary Artery Disease

Coronary arteries supply your heart with oxygen-rich blood. If these major vessels contain calcium, you may be at risk for atherosclerosis, commonly known as coronary artery disease (CAD). If you live with CAD, you’re at greater risk for a heart attack (myocardial infarction). A coronary calcium scoring test can help your doctor evaluate your level of risk.

What You Can Expect

During the exam, our ultrafast 64-slice computed tomography (CT) scanner takes images of your heart to look for calcium buildup. The images receive a score based on the amount of calcium present in your arteries and your risk for CAD. You and your physician will review the images and results as part of your diagnosis and plan for possible treatment.

How to Prepare

Your doctor may ask you to refrain from smoking or consuming anything with caffeine before the test.

Interpreting Your Test Results

Depending on your test results, your primary care physician or cardiologist may recommend treatment options to minimize your risk of a heart attack.

Learn more about coronary calcium scoring and how to decide if you need a coronary calcium scan.