Coronary Calcium Scan 

A coronary calcium scan is a test that can help show whether you have coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD, a fatty material called plaque narrows your coronary (heart) arteries and limits blood flow to your heart. CAD is the most common type of heart disease in both men and women. It can lead to angina, heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia.

A coronary  calcium scan is a  test that can help show  whether you have coronary artery disease (CAD). In CAD,  a fatty material called plaque narrows your coronary (heart) arteries and limits blood flow to your heart. CAD is the most common type of  heart disease in both men and women. It can lead to angina,  heart attack, heart failure, and arrhythmia. 

A coronary calcium scan is most useful for people who are at moderate risk for a heart attack. You or your doctor can calculate your 10-year risk using the Risk Assessment Tool from the National Cholesterol Education Program. People at moderate risk have a 10 to 20 percent chance of having a heart attack within the next 10 years. The coronary calcium scan helps doctors decide who within this group needs treatment.

Two machines can show calcium in the coronary arteries – electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) and multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). Both use an X-ray machine to make detailed pictures of your heart. Doctors study the pictures to see whether you're at risk for heart problems in the next 2 to 10 years.

A coronary calcium scan is simple and easy for the patient, who lies quietly in the scanner machine for about 10 minutes. Pictures of the heart are taken that show whether the coronary arteries have calcifications.