Coronary calcium scan
Other names for this test are: Coronary artery calcium (CAC) test, Coronary calcium CT scan, Heart CT calcium scan.
A coronary calcium scan, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, is a specialized type of computed tomography (CT) scan that measures the amount of calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. This non-invasive imaging test is used to evaluate the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), a leading cause of heart attacks. Calcium in the coronary arteries is an early sign of CAD, as it's a component of plaque that can narrow or block these arteries, leading to heart disease. The scan produces a calcium score, which reflects the extent of calcification in the coronary arteries. A score of zero indicates no detectable plaque and a low risk of a coronary event in the near future, while a higher score suggests a greater risk. This score helps in stratifying patients into different risk categories for heart disease and can guide physicians in making decisions about preventive measures and treatment strategies. The scan is particularly valuable for individuals with intermediate risk factors for heart disease, such as family history, high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, or diabetes, where traditional risk assessment methods may be inconclusive. It's important to note that while a coronary calcium scan can indicate the presence and extent of calcification, it does not provide information on the severity of blockages or the presence of non-calcified plaque. The scan is a useful tool in preventive cardiology, allowing for early intervention and lifestyle modifications to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Show more
Biomarkers included in this panel:
Left Anterior Descending (LAD)
The Left Anterior Descending (LAD) artery, often visualized in a Coronary Calcium Scan, is a crucial blood vessel in the heart's circulatory system, renowned for its role in supplying blood to a large portion of the heart muscle. In the context o
Learn moreLeft Circumflex (LCX)
The Left Circumflex (LCX) artery is an essential component of the heart's arterial system, and its assessment in a Coronary Calcium Scan provides significant insights into cardiovascular health. The LCX branches off from the left coronary artery
Learn moreLeft Main (LM)
In a Coronary Calcium Scan, the Left Main (LM) coronary artery represents a critical focus of assessment due to its primary role in the heart's blood supply. The LM artery is a short but crucial vessel that branches from the aorta and bifurcates
Learn moreRight Coronary Artery (RCA)
The Right Coronary Artery (RCA) is a pivotal vessel in the cardiovascular system, playing a central role in the assessment of heart health during a Coronary Calcium Scan. This scan, utilizing computed tomography (CT) technology, is designed to detect
Learn moreTotal Coronary Score
The Total Coronary Score, often referred to as the Agatston score, in a Coronary Calcium Scan is a critical quantitative measure that encapsulates the cumulative burden of calcified plaque within the coronary arteries. This score is derived from a co
Learn more