About the Scan – Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring

SMIL offers cardiac CT for calcium scoring to detect plaque build-up in the heart and vascular system in Scottsdale, Arizona. Cardiac CT for calcium scoring of the heart and vascular system is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the presence, location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart muscle. Calcified plaque results when there is a build-up of fat and other substances under the inner layer of the artery. This material can calcify, which signals the presence of coronary artery disease, results in plaque build-up that can narrow the arteries or close off blood flow which can cause a heart attack.

Since calcium is a component of coronary artery disease, cardiac CT for calcium scoring can detect plaque build-up and is a helpful prognostic tool. The goal of cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring is to determine if coronary heart disease is present and to what extent.

Cardiac CT for calcium scoring of the heart and vascular system is recommended for patients with high risk factors of coronary artery disease including:

  • High blood cholesterol levels
  • Family history of heart attacks
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • Cigarette smoking
  • Overweight or obesity
  • Physical inactivity

Learn more about how to prepare for a cardiac CT for calcium scoring in the preparations for cardiac CT for calcium scoring section.

Find out if a cardiac CT calcium scoring is right for you in the benefits and risks of cardiac CT calcium scoring section.

For a downloadable/printable PDF about this exam with preparation instructions click here.

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