Coronary Calcium Scan
Heart Disease and Heart Attacks
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death of both men and women in the US
- Most people who suffer heart attacks have only average or slightly elevated cholesterol
- Even in people with cholesterol levels as low as 180, heart attack is still the leading cause of death
- Calcification in the heart's arteries is the earliest indicator of a buildup of plaque in the walls of these arteries and a sign of potential coronary artery disease
- Many people with plaque or calcium deposits clogging their heart's blood vessels do not have any symptoms or warning signs that they may be in danger of having a heart attack
Diagnosing Heart Disease at its Earliest Stages
Cedars-Sinai created the SHAPE Program to help prevent heart attacks by detecting heart disease at its earliest stages. A Coronary Calcium Scan performed using our 64-slice dual-source CT scanner can diagnose coronary artery disease at an early stage by taking precise pictures of the heart. Blocked or clogged blood arteries can be detected without the need of surgery or the injection of tracking fluids.
A Coronary Calcium Scan produces a calcium score that indicates the patient's level of calcium deposits. After taking into account such factors as age, gender and cardiac risk factors, our cardiac imaging specialists use the calcium score as a strong measure of the risk for coronary artery disease.
A physician's referral is not required for this scan.
Should You Have a Coronary Calcium Scan?
It is recommended that women older than 55 and men older than 45 have this test, as well as patients with these risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol levels
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- High-stress lifestyle
- No regular exercise program
A Coronary Calcium Scan takes only 10 minutes and is painless. While the patient lies on an exam table, three electrocardiograph leads are placed on the chest to synchronize the scan with the motion of the heart. A series of pictures is taken, involving only a small amount of radiation.
A final written report is later sent to the patient and their physician. Referral arrangements can be made for patients who do not have a physician.
Preparation Information
Learn about the preparation for a CT coronary calcium scan procedure.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 310-423-8000.
Have Questions or Need Help?
For more information or physician consultations, call us or send a message to the Women's Heart Center team. You can also have us call you back at your convenience.