Watch: Calcium Scoring and CT Angiography CTA | Coronary Artery Disease Screening | Dr. Arash Padidar

Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring

A cardiac CT calcium score, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a quick, convenient and noninvasive way of evaluating the amount of calcified (hard) plaque in your heart vessels. The level of calcium equates to the extent of plaque build-up in your arteries. Plaque in the arteries can cause heart attacks.

Who should get a Cardiac CT Calcium Score:

Middle age adults at intermediate risk of heart disease
Family history of heart disease
Borderline high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes
Overweight or physical inactivity
Uncertain about taking daily preventive medical therapy

Coronary computed tomography angiography (also called coronary CT angiography or CCTA) uses an injection of iodine-containing contrast material and CT scanning to examine the arteries that supply blood to the heart and determine whether they have been narrowed. The images generated during a CT scan can be reformatted to create three-dimensional (3D) images that may be viewed on a monitor, printed on film or by a 3D printer, or transferred to electronic media.

Preparing for a Coronary Calcium Screening:

Our staff will provide you with the necessary details once your appointment is scheduled.

Why would I need a CCTA?

You may need a CCTA if you have symptoms of cardiovascular disease or if you are diagnosed and your doctor needs more information about your condition. Reasons for a CCTA may include:

Abnormal test results (stress testing, echocardiogram, electrocardiogram)
Abnormal coronary artery structure
Risk for developing coronary artery disease
New or worsening coronary artery disease symptoms
You have undergone coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery
A CCTA can also determine any type of heart disease, including heart structure or aortic abnormalities.

Coronary Calcium Score

The test also analyzes the plaque in a person’s coronary arteries. The higher the number, the more plaque:

0: No plaque is present. Less than a 5% chance of having heart disease and a very low risk of heart attack.

1-10: Small amount of plaque is present. Less than a 10% chance for heart disease and a low risk of heart attack. Now’s the time to quit smoking, eat better and exercise more.

11-100: Plaque is present. The person has mild heart disease and is at a moderate risk of heart attack. They should talk with their physician about quitting smoking, eating better, exercising and taking other necessary treatments.

101-400: A moderate amount of plaque is present. The person has heart disease, and plaque may be blocking an artery. Their heart attack risk is moderate to high, and the physician may want more tests and to start treatment.

Over 400: A large amount of plaque is present. It’s very likely that plaque is blocking an artery and the person’s heart attack risk is high. Their physician will want more tests and will start treatment.

Benefits of a Heart Screening:

Heart screens are accessible, affordable and can make a long-term difference in your life. Early detection of heart disease allows you and your primary care provider to make changes now and reduce or prevent problems later.

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105 N. Bascom Ave., Suite 104, San Jose, Ca. 95128
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