A cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart muscle. Calcified plaque results when there is a build-up of fat and other substances under the inner layer of the artery. This material can calcify which signals the presence of atherosclerosis, a disease of the vessel wall, also called coronary artery disease (CAD).
In preparation for your exam, we ask that you refrain from caffeine and smoking 4 hrs prior to your exam to avoid an increase in heart rate. It is very important to keep your heart rate below 90bpm during the scan. If your heart rate exceeds 90bpm, it may be necessary to use medication to bring it down. You may also be asked to change into a gown and/or remove any jewelry, metal, buttons, ect. to avoid interference with the calcium scoring.
The "Calcium Score" ranges between 0 (indicating no calcified plaque) and 400+ (indicating extensive calcified plaque). A Calcium Score may help your physician determine your likely hood for having a heart attack; however, additional testing may be required.