Coronary calcium scoring

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Cardiac calcium scoring is also known as a heart scan or calcium score. It helps doctors figure out your chances of getting coronary artery disease (CAD).

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The coronary system is made up of vessels that bring blood to the heart. Coronary calcium scoring is a simple CT scan. It calculates your chances of getting coronary artery disease (CAD) by looking at the amount of plaque in your heart's blood vessels.

Plaque is made up of calcium, fat and other substances. When plaque builds up in the blood, it can decrease blood flow to the heart. In turn, this can lead to serious problems, like a heart attack.

Scan scores range from zero to more than 400. This number is called your calcium score. Your doctor will talk to you about your scan results.

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About coronary calcium scoring

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This scan takes about 15 to 20 minutes. During the scan, you're usually alone in the scanner room. Our staff will watch you through a window and can talk to you with a two-way intercom.

Small pads or patches called electrodes will be put on your chest and connected to an EKG machine. This machine will measure when your heart is in resting stage. Resting stage is the best time to do the scan.

The exam table will slide into the round opening of the machine. The scanner moves around your body. The table will move a little every few seconds to take new pictures.

We'll ask you to hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds while we take pictures of your heart. It's important to be completely still during this time.

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On the day of your exam:
- Wear comfortable clothing that fits loosely
- Remove bras with metal underwire and any metal or jewelry you may be wearing
- Tell our staff if there’s any chance you may be pregnant
If you are pregnant, the test can't be done. If necessary, you may be given a gown to wear during the exam.
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A specialized radiologist will review your exam and send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will talk to you about your exam results. After you talk to your doctor, the results are also available on MyChart.

When you'll get results will depend on what type of CT scan you're having.

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Coronary calcium scoring is not covered by insurance. You must pay for this test by credit card.

For general questions, please call us at 1-206-329-1760. For billing questions, please call us at 1-206-860-4500. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-206-860-5496, option 2.

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