CT Calcium Score is a specialised CT technique that is used to detect calcium on the coronary arteries that supply the heart. The presence of calcium reflects coronary artery disease (CAD), and CT can detect it before symptoms (such as a heart attack) occur. Early detection allows time to modify risk factors.
Your doctor or Cardiac Specialist may recommend you have a CT Calcium Score test if you have hereditary risk factors (such as family history of heart disease) or other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, are (or have been) a smoker or have high alcohol consumption.
The scan shows whether or not there is calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. Calcified plaque narrows or blocks coronary arteries, which puts you at risk of coronary artery disease, angina or heart attack. CT scanning shows the presence, location and extent of the plaque, and these all indicate how much you are at risk.
When you arrive:
CT is very safe but may not be appropriate for people who are pregnant. Please note that this test is generally not recommended for women under 45 years of age.
The amount of calcified (hard) plaque in your heart vessels is evaluated and the score is given as a number called the Agatston score, which is the total area of the calcium deposits and the density of the calcium. A score of zero means no detectable calcium. Your calcium score is compared to a reference group of your age and gender to determine your relative risk of coronary artery disease.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common kind of heart disease, and it is the main cause of heart attacks and angina. Other names for it include ischaemic heart disease (IHD) or coronary heart disease (CHD).
The scanner’s large opening and short length means you won’t feel enclosed, and you can talk to the operator at any time. If you feel uncomfortable, let the staff know.
Actual scan times are seconds (5-10 seconds per breath-hold) and the CT Calcium Score test generally takes less than 15 minutes in total.
Please let us know as soon as possible if you can’t make your appointment. We always have patients waiting for an appointment so may be able to fill your appointment slot if we have enough notice. We will reschedule you to a time that is more convenient for you.
We offer CT Calcium Score in Wellington, Waikato, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.
Yes, you're welcome to bring up to two support people with you to your scan. If you require more than two, please contact us so we can work with you to find a solution that meets your needs.
If your support person needs to enter the CT room with you, they will need to wear a protective apron.
Please note: for some examinations, a support person may not be able to enter the scan room for safety, privacy or clinical reasons. Our team will talk you through this if it applies to your appointment.
If you need to bring children, please make sure another responsible adult comes with you to supervise them throughout the appointment. Our team need to focus on your care and cannot supervise children.
If arranging childcare is difficult, please contact us before your appointment. We will do our best to find an option that works for you, so childcare does not prevent you from receiving care.