Calcium Scoring

Early detection can be an effective weapon against heart disease. Saint Francis Healthcare offers a simple test that can detect plaque or blockage before you have symptoms or a problem. The Heart Healthy CT Scan takes only a few minutes, with little to no preparation on your part. The scan takes images of your heart to show calcium buildup (plaque) and blockages in your arteries. The images then translate to a score that provides valuable information to you and your doctor for a baseline score or to develop a treatment plan.

Why Have a Heart Healthy CT Scan

You don’t need a doctor’s referral for a Heart Healthy CT Scan. If you have risk factors, then the test provides you with information that can help you make decisions for next steps, including scheduling an appointment with a cardiologist. The CT scan is recommended for men age 40+ and women age 45+ with the following risk factors for heart disease:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Tobacco use
• Family history of heart disease

Your Test Results

Here’s how the scoring works to let you know of heart-related concerns before there’s a problem:

Calcium Score	Interpretation
0	No identifiable atherosclerotic plaque. Very low risk for cardiovascular disease. Less than 5% chance of coronary artery disease. A negative examination.
1-10	Minimal plaque burden. Significant coronary artery disease very unlikely.
11-100	Mild plaque burden. Likely mild or minimal coronary stenosis.
101-400	Moderate plaque burden. Moderate non-obstructive coronary artery disease highly likely.
Over 400	Extensive plaque burden. High likelihood of at least one significant coronary stenosis (>50% diameter).

Heart Healthy CT Scans are only $99, and may be covered by insurance. Take a few minutes for your peace of mind – or a warning that can save your life.

For more information, please see our article, What Is Calcium Scoring?