A coronary calcium scan is a quick way to learn more about your heart health. Your score can indicate if there is any plaque buildup in your arteries, and help you determine what to do next. If you decide to undergo a calcium score test, here are a few things to note before your appointment.

Booking a Calcium Score Test

The first step is to determine if you should get a calcium score test. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease, have been told you have high cholesterol or hypertension, have diabetes, a BMI over 25, have ever been a smoker, or live a sedentary lifestyle, a calcium score test is an appropriate test to get. If you are under 40 years old, are pregnant, or could be pregnant, you would not be a good candidate.

If you are eligible, there are are few things to keep in mind as you prepare. You will need to refrain from vigorous activity for 24 hours before testing, and you cannot consume caffeine or any stimulants within 4 hours of your test. If you are a smoker, do not smoke for 4 hours before your test. This protocol ensures you are avoiding anything that could interfere with your results. 

What Happens During the Scan

The calcium score test takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Upon arrival, you will be given a hospital gown to change into. You are required to wear the gown during the test. You must also remove any jewellery you have on. If you have any metal implants from a previous surgical procedure, you will need to tell the technician administering the test. 

Before the test begins, the tech will attach electrodes to your chest. These track your heartbeat so the machine can take clear images of your heart. The electrodes help ensure calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are detected more accurately. 

The test is conducted with a CT scanner, and you’ll be asked to lie on the table. The technologist who performs will move the table in and out of the CT scan device to capture the images. 

Once you are fully prepared to test, the technologist performing it will step into a room next to you. You’ll be able to communicate with them at all times, as there’s a window and a speaker system that ensures efficient communication during the entire procedure. 

The CT table will gradually move into a tunnel-like device. The table may move while you are inside the CT scanner, which is normal to get a good view of your heart and obtain accurate imaging needed for your calcium score. You should remain as still as possible while taking the test.

After the exam is done, the technologist will review the images to make sure they are clear and that none need to be retaken.

What Happens After Your Scan

After your scan, you will receive your results via email from Fitnescity. You will be able to schedule a one-on-one call with an independent board-certified physician after reviewing your results. You should also discuss your results with your primary care physician, who knows your medical history and other conditions that could have an impact on your cardiovascular health.

If your results are zero, they will likely have no immediate recommendations for you; zero is a good target score, especially if you are on the younger side. Depending on your age, if your test results are above zero, there may be specific changes in your habits or lifestyle that can help improve your heart health and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. 

Up Next

Knowing what you can expect from a calcium score test is important, as this ensures you are prepared for the scan. After the test, it’s helpful to understand what your score means. In the next part of our series, we will review calcium score results.

References

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5178007/ 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4614250/

https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.108.767665