What is A Coronary Calcium Scan? | Dr. Robert Pilchik | Manhattan Cardiology

A coronary calcium scan (also referred to as a heart scan) is a specialized diagnostic exam which provides x-ray images of the blood vessels of the heart. This test is performed to measure the buildup of calcified plaque in the arteries of the heart. A higher coronary calcium score may reflect a higher probability of coronary artery disease and a consequent higher risk of heart attack.
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Who Should Get a Coronary Calcium Scan? (0:18)
Preparation Prior to A Coronary Calcium Scan (1:09)
Results (1:29)
Price/Cost (2:06)
This test can be referred to as either a coronary calcium scan, or a coronary calcium score, or a low-dose non-contrast CT to specifically evaluate calcium plaque formation within the coronary arteries of the heart.
Coronary calcium score is most appropriate for people who are at risk of developing coronary artery disease. That would include people who smoke, people who are diabetics, have hypertension, who have high cholesterol, and have a family history of premature coronary artery disease. The reason to get a coronary calcium score would be to see whether or not there's been any buildup of plaque within the coronary arteries. The standard stress test would not be able to detect very early non-obstructive plaque within the coronary arteries, whereas a calcium score would be able to determine whether or not there's very early minimal disease already forming within the coronary arteries.
Honestly, there's very little to no preparation required. There is no contrast use, so no blood work needs to be done beforehand. Generally speaking, we are not concerned about food consumption prior to the procedure. However, you should speak to your own doctor beforehand.
Coronary calcium scans are interpreted by the cardiologist at the facility, which determines how much calcium you have in the coronary arteries. The ideal result is zero. Anything non-zero is an indication that you have some early plaque within the coronary arteries. Anything above 400 indicates very high likelihood of significant, severe blockages within the arteries of the heart, and potentially could result in heart attack sometime and the near future.
Coronary calcium scans generally are not covered by insurance. They generally cost about 80 to $150. But in certain situations, they are clearly worth the investment of getting the test up. There is no other way for us to determine whether or not a person has the beginnings of plaque development within the coronary arteries.
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