How Calcium Scoring May Help You Have a Healthy Heart?

Coronary calcium scans use a special test called computed radiography (CT) to detect calcium deposits in the walls. It indicates how severe the artery walls are. This helps to determine your likelihood of suffering a heart attack. This test allows you to tell your doctor if you are at risk for a heart attack.

What Does Computed Tomography Mean?

CAT scans (or CT) are a medical diagnostic that can produce multiple images of the internal organs. It’s non-invasive and painless. Also, it takes less than an MRI.

Preparing Yourself for Your CT

Doctors ask you to refrain from drinking or eating for four hours before the exam. A prescription may be necessary if you have an allergy or sensitivity to the contrast material. These medications must be taken 12 hours in advance of your exam. You should take your jewelry off and wear loose, comfortable clothes. The scan area you are being done might require you to change into a gown. If you’re wearing an underneath-wire bra, you’ll need to remove it.

What Does My Doctor Want?

Your doctor is trying to determine if your doctor has diagnosed Coronary Artery Disease. CAD can lead to an increase in the risk of stroke or heart attack. Plaque may build up in your blood vessels, causing them to harden and narrow. This can make it more difficult for your heart pump to work efficiently. Plaque may also cause your vessels to become completely blocked. Although plaque buildup can be managed, your doctor will need to determine how serious the condition is to decide if you should seek treatment. The CT scan provides a useful prognostic tool, and results are expressed as a CT calcium score. This test is also called the Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring.

What Should Expect?

CT scans require little effort and are very quick. You will lie on a narrow, flexible table that slides through a hole in your CT machine. The CT scanners will be recorded while your heart is not contracted. During the recording of images, you will be asked to hold your breathing for approximately 10 to 20 seconds. The technician will then assess the quality of the images and determine if they are suitable for use by the doctor. The entire process takes approximately 10 minutes.

Your Results

A positive test means that there is CAD. Your risk of developing calcification is determined by how high. Your doctor can tell you the test results, what to expect, and determine how extensive treatment is necessary. Follow-up visits may be necessary for any suspicious findings requiring extra views or special imaging. In order to assess whether or not treatment is working or if the abnormality you have detected is stable or changing, follow-up exams might be required.

Heart attack and stroke prevention are key to avoiding these most common causes of death. A good part of managing your health is working with your doctor. It will also improve your quality of life.

What Are My Risk Factors?

Doctors will look at your medical history to determine whether or not calcium scoring might be necessary.

• High blood cholesterol
• History of strokes or heart attacks in the family
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Physical inactivity