Heart CT - Cardiac Calcium Scoring
What is cardiac calcium scoring?
A cardiac calcium scoring, also known as a heart CT, is a painless, non-invasive way of obtaining information about your coronary arteries.
The calcium by itself does not cause an event, but calcium deposits signal that plaque (fatty build-up comprised partially of cholesterol and calcium) is present in the walls of the artery. This screening test does not look for individual areas of blockage in the heart. It is an overall assessment of global risk for heart disease and is the only screening test that looks directly at the heart’s arteries. The amount and density of the calcium plaque can predict the likelihood of a cardiac event such as heart attack or need for coronary intervention, over the next one to two years.
Call 615.328.6500 to schedule a cardiac calcium scoring test today.
Walk-in hours with our Imaging Departments at Highpoint Health - Sumner and Highpoint Health - Sumner Station are Monday - Friday from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Please visit registration in each respective lobby to inquire about this service.
No physician order required. Highpoint Health - Sumner offers a cash pay price of $50 for cardiac calcium scoring tests.
Who should be considered for cardiac calcium scoring?
Appropriate candidates may include asymptomatic individuals with any of the following:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
- Low HDL
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Overweight
- Inactive lifestyle
- Women over 55 years of age
- Men over 45 years of age
How is cardiac calcium scoring performed?
A CT scanner acquires a series of images, rotating to obtain cross-sectional scans and create multiple, three-dimensional views of the heart. Calcium deposits are detected and a calcium score is calculated.
Will insurance pay for cardiac calcium scoring?
Most health insurance companies consider a cardiac calcium scoring test an elective screening and do not cover it. It is best to check with your insurance provider directly to confirm whether they will cover the cost of the test and under what conditions. If you wish to submit a claim to your insurance company, a medical savings account, or a flexible spending account, we will provide you with documentation for filing. The cost of this noninvasive screening test is very affordable.
Payment is due at the time of service. Highpoint Health - Sumner offers a cash pay price of $50 for cardiac calcium scoring tests. Payment is due at the time of service.
What can you expect during cardiac calcium scoring?
- You will recline on your back on the CT table.
- The table will move through a donut-shaped x-ray machine. An x-ray tube inside the machine will rotate around you, capturing 64 images in each rotation.
- The actual scan time will be approximately five seconds.
- The CT technologist will talk to you and give you instructions throughout the test. You may be asked to hold your breath for five seconds.
What can you expect after cardiac calcium scoring?
- You will immediately return to normal activities.
- You will receive your calcium score results. Contact your provider to schedule a follow-up visit to discuss your results and any other cardiac risk factors you may have.
- If calcium is present, keep in mind that heart disease can often be prevented or slowed down with early detection and proper treatment.
What can my calcium score tell my provider and me?
Your score is part of your risk factor profile for heart disease. A high score will be more concerning if other risk factors are present. It is also more serious in a younger person than in an older person since we expect more calcium deposits to develop with age. Your score will be compared to other patients of the same age and gender.