Calcium score helps identify risks for heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. In about half of all deaths from heart disease, the patient had no prior heart disease or symptoms. A coronary calcium score is an important tool for identifying the risk of serious heart disease in patients who do not have symptoms.
Caroline Swift, MD, a member of ProHealth Care’s diagnostic radiology team, recently answered a few questions about a fast and painless screening used to determine a person’s calcium score.
What is a coronary calcium score screening?
A coronary calcium score screening is a radiology test performed using a CT scanner. It measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, which feed the heart muscle.
Plaque buildup causes narrowing of the arteries and can cause blood clots. Narrow arteries lead to slower blood flow and prevent the heart muscle from receiving enough oxygen.
Why might a provider recommend a screening?
A coronary calcium score can help the patient and provider make decisions about any preventive therapy needed. Research shows that patients who know their score and their risks are more likely to follow their doctor’s recommendations for preventing related issues.
Who is eligible for the screening?
The test is considered for patients ages 45 to 70 at intermediate risk for heart disease and who do not have symptoms. This means they have at least one cardiovascular risk factor, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or obesity. It is also recommended for those ages 30 to 45 who have two or more heart disease risk factors. Your doctor can order a calcium score scan, or you can schedule it.
What does the test involve?
The screening is safe, precise, noninvasive and does not require an injection of contrast dye. The radiation dose is similar to that of a mammogram.
What do the test results show?
The results show the total volume of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The score can help a provider estimate the 10-year risk of a patient’s coronary event, predict the lifetime risk for the patient developing coronary heart disease, and show how much calcium is in each artery. Calcified plaque in multiple coronary arteries is associated with a higher risk of death.
What happens next?
Results will be shared with you and forwarded to your primary care provider. Strategies to prevent a cardiac event can be discussed with your provider.
The first line of defense is lifestyle modification. If a cholesterol-lowering medication would be beneficial, your clinician may prescribe a statin. Additional tests may be ordered.
The best way to learn whether the screening is right for you is to ask your doctor. A calcium score helps you and your provider make informed decisions that can lead to a longer, healthier life.
ProHealth Care offers CT cardiac calcium scoring for $45 at its hospitals in Mukwonago, Oconomowoc and Waukesha. The service is also available at the ProHealth Medical Group clinic in Pewaukee, ProHealth Imaging Center in Brookfield and ProHealth’s Imaging Services located inside Moreland Medical Center in Waukesha. Insurance is not billed for this specially priced screening. To schedule a screening, call 262-928-3000.
