Heart Scoring


Computed tomography, also known as CT or CAT scanning, uses a special machine to obtain multiple x-ray images of any part of the body. The images are much more detailed than those provided by conventional x-rays. In addition, CT can display many different types of tissue including blood vessels. Modern scanners use a technique called spiral or helical CT to obtain images from many angles. Computerized processing of these images creates cross-sections, or slices, of the area of interest. The images can then be examined on a computer monitor or printed out.

Cardiac CT for calcium scoring or heart scoring, is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall. Plaque is a build-up of fat and other substances, including calcium, which in time can narrow the arteries or even close off blood flow to the heart. The result may be painful angina in the chest or a heart attack. Calcium is a marker of coronary artery disease. The findings on cardiac CT, expressed as a calcium score or heart scan, may help decide what measures can be taken to avoid these events./

 

What are some common uses of the procedure?

The goal of the heart scan is to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) at an early stage when there are no symptoms and to determine its severity. It is a screening study that may be recommended by a physician if you have risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms yet. The procedure is most often suggested for men aged 45 years or older and for women who are aged 55 and above or are postmenopausal. Some patients choose to have the test on their own even if their doctors have not recommended it, in order to discover early-stage CAD if present, or reassure themselves that they probably do not have advanced CAD. The major risk factors for CAD, other than age, are:

  • Abnormally high blood cholesterol levels
  • A family history of heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Being physically inactive