Who should get a calcium scan?

Individuals who are at intermediate risk for heart disease or have a family history of heart disease may benefit from a calcium scan. It is especially useful for those between the ages of 40 and 70 who do not show symptoms of heart disease but have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoking.

What does a calcium score mean?

The calcium score is a number that reflects the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. A score of 0 means there is no calcium and a very low risk of heart attack, while higher scores indicate the presence of plaque and a greater risk of cardiovascular issues. A score of 100-300 suggests moderate plaque buildup and a higher chance of heart disease, whereas scores above 300 signal significant risk.

Is a calcium scan covered by insurance?

Calcium scans are not always covered by insurance, as they are considered preventive tests. However, depending on your health insurance provider and specific policy, part or all of the cost may be covered. It's best to check with your insurance provider beforehand.

What are the benefits of a calcium scan?

The primary benefit of a calcium scan is its ability to detect early signs of coronary artery disease before symptoms appear. By knowing your calcium score, you and your doctor can take steps to reduce your risk of heart attack and other cardiovascular events through lifestyle changes, medications, or further medical intervention.

What are the risks associated with a calcium scan?

The risks associated with a calcium scan are minimal. The test involves a low dose of radiation exposure, but it is generally considered safe. For most people, the potential benefits of early detection of heart disease outweigh the small risks of radiation.

Can I eat or drink before a calcium scan?

Yes, you can usually eat and drink as normal before a calcium scan, but your healthcare provider may ask you to avoid caffeine and smoking for a few hours before the test, as these can affect your heart rate and potentially interfere with the results.

Do I need to prepare for a calcium scan?

There is minimal preparation required for a calcium scan. You may be asked to remove any metal objects, such as jewelry, and wear comfortable clothing. Some doctors may recommend avoiding caffeine or smoking prior to the test to ensure accurate results.

What happens after I receive my calcium score?

After receiving your calcium score, your doctor will review the results with you and determine whether additional tests or treatments are necessary. If your score is high, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or further cardiovascular testing. If your score is low, you may not need any immediate intervention, but it's still important to maintain heart-healthy habits.

What Is a Calcium Scan? - Preventative Diagnostic Center

Q: What is a calcium scan?

A calcium scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan or coronary artery calcium (CAC) test, is a specialized CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the walls of your coronary arteries. This test helps to detect the buildup of plaque, which can indicate a higher risk of heart disease, even in people who have no symptoms.

Q: How is a calcium scan performed?

A calcium scan is a quick and painless procedure. You will lie down on a scanning table, and electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart. The scanner will take images of your heart, specifically the coronary arteries, to measure calcium deposits. The scan typically takes around 10 to 15 minutes.

Female Doctor In White Coat Holding A Red Heart

Heart attacks consistently rank as one of the leading causes of death for both men and women across most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. According to data from the American Heart Association, each year, there are about 605,000 new heart attacks in the U.S. 200,000 of those heart attacks are recurrent attacks. Additionally, of these heart attacks, it is estimated that 170,000 are silent and do not reveal any significant symptoms.

At Preventative Diagnostic Center, we’re proud to be a leader in offering preventative medical scans in Las Vegas. Take control of your heart health with a calcium scan. Contact us today to learn more about calcium scan benefits and schedule your preventative health scan.

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What Is a Calcium Scan?

A calcium scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a type of diagnostic test that can give you insight into your overall heart health. This scan produces a high-resolution image that can help you determine if there is plaque buildup or calcium deposits in your arteries. This can help you better understand if you are at risk of a heart attack or other heart disease.

How Does a Calcium Scan Work?

A calcium scan uses a special computerized tomography, also known as a CT scan, to take a detailed image of your heart. More specifically, this image looks to see if there is any plaque buildup or calcium deposits in your heart’s arteries. When plaque buildup occurs in your arteries, it can narrow the blood flow to your heart, which can contribute to a range of heart diseases.

How Is a Calcium Scan Performed?

Calcium scans work very similarly to many other preventative diagnostic scans, and they can take place in both a clinic and a hospital setting. When you’re getting ready to take your scan, you’ll lie down on a table that will put you through the scanner. The scanner will move around your chest area to take images of your heart. When this procedure is taking place, you may be asked to hold your breath for 20 to 30 seconds to ensure the machine captures the best image possible.

What Does a Calcium Score Indicate?

After your calcium scan, you will receive a calcium score. A calcium score is a number that ranges from zero to 1,000, or higher. It is used to identify the level of calcium deposits in your heart’s arteries. The more calcium deposits there are in your heart’s arteries, the more narrow the arteries can be, which will have an impact on the overall blood flow to and from your heart.

Generally, a score under 100 means you have little to no plaque deposits in your heart’s arteries. A score from 100 to 300 means you have a moderate amount of plaque deposits in your heart’s arteries. If you have a score that is over 300, this means you have excessive plaque deposits in your arteries and are at a much higher risk of a heart attack.

How Long Does a Calcium Scan Take?

Calcium scans are noninvasive and take 10 to 15 minutes. Most of the time during your appointment is dedicated to prepping you and making sure you’re ready for the scan to begin, but the actual scan only takes a couple of minutes.

Who Should Consider Getting a Calcium Scan?

Calcium scans are an incredible tool that benefits a wide variety of people. However, certain individuals should prioritize getting a calcium scan done over others. If any of the following apply to you, you are a good candidate for getting a coronary calcium scan:

You have a strong family history of heart disease, including early coronary artery disease
There’s a history of heart attacks in your family
You have an intermediate risk or are uncertain of your risk for a heart attack
You are overweight or obese
You want to gain more insight into your overall heart health

Are There Any Risks Associated With a Calcium Scan?

As with any preventative scan, the risks are minimal and are overshadowed by the overwhelming benefits a calcium scan can provide. With a calcium scan, there is minimal risk of cancer due to the radiation from the scan itself. However, this radiation exposure is not any higher than what a normal person is exposed to in any given year.

If you are pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant, you should not have a calcium scan done. This is because a CT scan can harm a fetus.

What Should I Expect During the Calcium Scan Procedure?

When you go in for your calcium scan procedure, you should not expect anything out of the ordinary from a routine visit with your doctor.

During the scan, you will be awake and do not need to take any medications for the scan itself. Instead, you’ll be asked to hold very still and potentially hold your breath for about 20 to 30 seconds.

You might also be asked to take off any jewelry, glasses, or other metal that may be on your body during the procedure. Additionally, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown.

How Do I Prepare for a Calcium Scan?

Once you schedule your coronary calcium scan, you’ll be given a detailed guide on what to do to prepare for your scan. Generally, however, you’ll be asked to avoid eating any food or drink for up to four hours before your scan. You should also avoid any caffeine or tobacco products during this time frame as well.

Can a Calcium Scan Help Prevent Heart Disease?

While a calcium scan alone cannot prevent heart disease, it does empower you with information to help minimize your risk for heart disease. For example, with the information you receive after your scan, you can make necessary changes to improve your overall heart health. This can be done through lifestyle changes, medication regimens, and other treatments your doctor may recommend.

How Often Should I Get a Calcium Scan?

You should get a calcium scan done once every three to five years. It’s recommended that individuals should start getting a heart scan done when they are about 30 years of age.

Schedule Your Calcium Scan Today

At Preventative Diagnostic Center in Las Vegas, you can schedule your preventative heart scan with one of our experienced technicians today. Take control of your heart health with a team known for providing quality care and exceptional service.

If you are looking for a preventative medical scan near you, book your calcium scan with the experts at Preventative Diagnostic Center today.