CT Calcium Score helps in detecting atherosclerotic plaque that forms in the arteries using a CT scanner
Calcium Score or CT Coronary Calcium Score helps in detecting calcifications in the coronary arteries using a CT scanner. CT scanner helps to assess the "degeneration" of the coronary arteries and "risk" of developing coronary artery disease in the future, even if there are no symptoms currently present.
What Causes Calcium or Heart Calcifications?
Calcium or heart calcifications can accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, heart valves, or the pericardium. The particular concern is calcification on the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle, which results from the degeneration of the coronary arteries. These calcifications increase the risk of coronary artery disease, leading to a higher likelihood of acute myocardial infarction due to sudden artery blockage. This condition can develop many years before the onset of heart disease symptoms.
Who Should undergo a CT Calcium Score?
- Individuals over 40 years of age
- Who have a family history of heart disease
- Who have a sedentary lifestyle
- Who have high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure
- Who have overweight
- Smoking
Benefits of a CT Calcium Score
- High accuracy in assessing the risk of coronary artery disease, facilitating early prevention or treatment.
- The procedure is simple, painless, and quick.
- No need for contrast dye, minimal radiation exposure, and is safe.
