A coronary calcium score assesses your heart disease risk
One sign of heart disease is build-up in the walls of the coronary arteries, which a coronary calcium score test using computed tomography (CT) can assess.
The test takes about 15 minutes and emits low levels of radiation exposure, during which a CT scanner takes pictures of your heart in thin sections that show calcium build-up to determine a score. Your risk for coronary artery disease increases as your calcium score increases.
If you score high on the coronary calcium score test, it may lead to further tests and treatments to help you avoid a heart attack and your physician may prescribe medicines to lower your risks.
Who should get a coronary calcium screening?
This screening test could be most helpful for those without symptoms but who are at medium risk for heart disease. Someone at medium risk has a 10% to 20% chance of having a heart within the next ten years, based on the following risk factors:
- Age
- Blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Family history
- Gender
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Weight
Baylor Scott & White The Heart Hospital conveniently offers coronary calcium screenings at Plano, Denton and McKinney.
Call 469.814.3565 to schedule your coronary calcium screening