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What is CT Calcium Score & how the test is done
20% of Australians aged 45-74 have a high chance of having a heart attack or stroke in the next five years.
That sounds like a scary statistic, but a CT Calcium score test can be used as a predictor to determine if you’re at risk of a heart or stroke, even before signs and symptoms appear.
What is Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring?
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring measures how much-calcified plaque (calcium) is in the walls of your heart’s arteries. A plaque build-up can cause your arteries to narrow and reduce the amount of blood, oxygen and nutrients that reach your heart. Sometimes, this plaque can break away and form a clot that blocks the arteries, causing a heart attack.
What does the Calcium score mean?
So, what is a calcium score test? Measuring calcified plaque (your calcium score) allows your doctor to identify possible coronary artery disease before you have signs and symptoms. Your calcium score can be a screening tool for your predictive risk of having a heart attack or stroke in the next ten years. Based on your calcium score result, your doctor will discuss necessary lifestyle changes (e.g. quit smoking) or other treatment options.
How is the test done?
A calcium score test is fast, painless, and requires no injections. Sticky dots and ECG leads will be placed on your back or chest, and your doctor will ask you to lie flat on a table that will move you through a scanner. Your head will remain outside the scanner for the test, and after 5-10 minutes, you will be free to go about your day again.
How much does it cost?
Calcium score testing is not one of the services covered by Medicare. If your doctor decides a calcium score is required, PRP Diagnostic Imaging offers the service for $195.00 at most locations.
Where to book a Calcium Score test
Please check our CT Calcium Score service page for more information.
Speak to your doctor for a referral for a Calcium score test.