What is a CT Calcium Score Test?

A CT calcium score test is a CT scan which provides detailed images of your heart to enable the detection and measurement of potential calcium-containing plaque in the arteries of your heart (coronary arteries). Plaque that deposits in and on the walls of coronary arteries can restrict the flow of blood to the muscle of the heart. Plaque is composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood which develop gradually over time, long before there are any signs or symptoms of disease.

The scan helps identify possible coronary artery disease before you have signs or symptoms and is considered useful for people who have a known moderate risk of heart disease or when the risk is uncertain. The information is used to assess the need for treatments such as medication or lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart attack or other heart problems.

Calcium Score Cost

Our calcium scoring costs $590, so for a reasonable fee you can be provided with vital information on your heart’s health. CT Calcium Scores are not currently funded by insurance providers. 

A referral is required for this examination. Talk to your GP or Specialist about a referral for a CT Calcium Score scan. 

Pre-Examination

This examination requires a slow and steady heart rate, for this reason we ask you to adhere to the following instructions. On the day of your appointment, before your scan: Do not drink alcohol or caffeine-based drinks (coffee, tea, energy drinks / drinks with added caffeine) and chocolate. Apart from this you can take your usual medication, eat and drink normally. Do not exercise.

During Examination

When you arrive, you will be asked to change into a gown. You will lie on your back on the CT table which will move within scanner. Your head will be outside the scanner the whole time. Before the procedure begins, the technician will attach small electrodes to your chest. This allows the scanner to record your heart's activity during the exam and coordinate the timing of imaging between heartbeats. The aim is to acquire data when the heart muscle is relaxed and most stationary. The entire scan procedure should take 10 to 15 minutes.

Post Examination

After the procedure is completed, you can return to your normal daily activities. The result of the test is usually given as a score representing a combination of information relating to you. These results will be sent to your referring physician.

 

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