Having a healthy heart is central to overall good health. It’s important because it’s responsible for pumping nutrient-rich blood throughout your body, supplying oxygen while removing toxins and waste.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In fact, according to the CDC about 695,000 people died from heart disease in 2021—that’s 1 in every 5 deaths. There are things we can do to keep our hearts healthy, like consistently exercising, eating a healthy diet and scheduling yearly check-ups.
One test that can be performed is a Coronary Calcium Scan. Also known as Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring, this scan provides you with a coronary calcium score that helps verify any potential risk of heart disease. In this blog, we’ll address questions you may have relating to coronary calcium scans.
What is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
Coronary Calcium Scan is a CT (computed tomography) scan of your coronary arteries that shows any signs of heart disease and provides your coronary calcium score.
Why is your Coronary Calcium Score important?
It’s important because it shows signs of heart disease like calcium build up. Calcium build up indicates a potential presence of plaque, which makes it more difficult for blood to travel. Your score also helps predict the likelihood of future cardiovascular issues.
How is your Coronary Calcium Score determined?
Through advanced low-dose CT imaging and medical programs that determine calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
What age should I get scanned? And who should get a Coronary Calcium Scan?
Anyone 50 years or older should get scanned and, afterward, follow the recommendations of their physician. People with a family history of heart disease, or individuals with risk factors of heart disease like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes and smokers are strongly advised to schedule an exam as early as 40.
How often should I get my coronary calcium score checked?
It is recommended to get your coronary calcium score scanned every 3-5 years. Some low-risk patients may be able to stretch it to 5-7 years, while higher-risk patients should be proactive and get scanned every three years.
How long does the test take?
The CT scan itself takes about ten minutes, but from start to finish, you should budget about 30 minutes total.
How do I schedule a Coronary Calcium Scan at Southwoods?
To schedule a Coronary Calcium Scan, visit your primary care physician or cardiologist, who can schedule your test and provide insight and instruction to ensure your heart is healthy.
Overall, the Coronary Calcium Scan gauges any potential signs of calcium buildup in your coronary arteries. It is important to stay educated about your heart health. Southwoods Health provides Coronary Calcium Scans at our Cardiac Imaging location in Boardman. Contact your primary care doctor or cardiologist for further information about scheduling.
