Calcium Scoring

Calcium scoring is a painless, non-invasive screening test that measures the presence and amount of calcium in the major blood vessels of the heart. Calcium deposits can narrow the arteries and block blood flow to the heart and eventually lead to painful angina in the chest or a heart attack. Calcium scoring helps predict heart disease, even in people with no symptoms; the goal is to detect coronary artery disease (CAD) at the earliest possible stages so you can stay healthy.

Cardiac calcium scoring is done to:

• Determine whether you have coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Evaluate the severity of your heart disease
• Sometimes, predict development of CAD symptoms

With our new Aquilion 64 CFX CT (computed tomography), Stamford Hospital's Heart & Vascular Institute is able to offer the most advanced form of calcium scoring. Our precise equipment produces multiple images of the inside of your arteries. These are combined by computer to create cross-sectional (three dimensional) views, which are recorded in a computer and can be saved for or printed for closer examination and to monitor your progress.

The results of a calcium scoring test are expressed as a calcium score.

Calcium Score Presence of Plaque

• 0 No evidence of plaque
• 1-10 Minimal evidence of plaque
• 11-100 Mild evidence of plaque
• 101-400 Moderate evidence of plaque
• Over 400 Extensive evidence of plaque

This screening test is recommended for people who have risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms and is most often suggested for men aged 45 years or older and women, aged 55 and above or who are postmenopausal. You probably will not have this test if you have had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), or angioplasty. Also, the test usually is not for women who are or might be pregnant.

» Learn more about calcium scoring

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).