A coronary calcium score measures the amount of calcium in arteries, indicating coronary artery disease and risk of heart attack. The score is evaluated through a CT scan, which uses x-rays and computer imaging to generate pictures of the heart. The score is an indicator of heart attack risk, but not the only factor considered. Limitations include false negatives in younger people and reduced image quality in those with a high heart rate.
A coronary calcium score is a measure of how much calcium is in a person’s arteries. The presence of calcium in the arteries is a sign of coronary artery disease, which is a strong risk factor for heart attack. The coronary calcium score is evaluated through the use of a computed tomography (CT) scan, which assesses the location and extent of artery calcification.
During a CT scan, a patient lies on their back. Electrodes are attached to the chest so that an electrocardiograph can record the electrical activity of the heart. Next, the scan is performed, during which the table on which the patient lies moves across the CT scanning machine. This procedure uses multiple x-rays and sophisticated computer imaging equipment to generate pictures of the heart. The setup and TC procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Although the scan used to evaluate a coronary calcium score involves exposure to more radiation than a conventional X-ray, the procedure is no more dangerous. During the scan, the sensors detect the amount of radiation the person is exposed to, to ensure that exposure is minimal. As with conventional X-rays, however, pregnant women and women who suspect they may be pregnant should avoid having this scan.
The results of a CT scan for artery calcification are interpreted by a radiologist. He or she reviews the scan images and assigns a coronary calcium score based on how extensive the artery calcification is. When the test is negative, it means that there is very little or no calcification and that the individual being tested has a very low chance of having a heart attack in the next two to five years.
If the test results are positive, the person who underwent the test has coronary artery calcification. It is scored based on the extent of the calcification and this score is an indicator that can be used to assess the risk of a heart attack. The higher the score, the greater the chance that the individual could have a heart attack. This is only a rough indicator, however, and it’s not the only factor a doctor will consider when assessing an individual’s risk of having a heart attack.
The coronary calcium score has some limitations which mean it is not suitable for every individual. Younger people, especially those younger than 50, can have coronary artery disease even when no calcification is present. This means that someone could have the disease but show a negative result after a coronary CT scan. Another limitation is that someone with a rapid heart rate may not be able to take the test. This is because a heart rate of 90 beats per minute or more can reduce the image quality of a coronary artery CT scan.
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