Should You Get a Calcium Score Test?
A calcium score test -- also called CT cardiac scoring -- can predict your risk for heart disease, but not everyone needs one. Here, Duke cardiothoracic imaging specialist Robert Optican, MD, MHA, FACR explains what a calcium score test can find, how it’s beneficial, and whether you should talk to your doctor about getting one.
What is a calcium score test?
A calcium score test is a CT scan of your heart. CT can detect mineral deposits within plaque that has built up in the arteries supplying your heart -- this plaque is the hallmark of coronary artery (heart) disease. There are no needles involved, no injection of contrast, no special preparation is required, and there are no physical restrictions after undergoing the test.
Based on the results of your test, you are assigned a cardiac calcium score that can range from 0 (no plaque detected; very low risk of a heart attack in the next 2-5 years) to over 401 (extensive plaque; indicates severe heart disease and high risk of a heart attack). You and your doctors use your score to help decide on next steps to lower your risk of developing serious symptoms, including a heart attack. They might include lifestyle modification, regular monitoring, cholesterol lowering medication, or another form of treatment. "It's important to talk to your doctor about your results," said Dr. Optican. "They can put them in context for you."
Should I get a calcium score test?
A calcium score test can be helpful if you have factors that put you at risk for heart disease such as:
- Hipertensión
- Antecedentes familiares de enfermedad cardíaca
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- obesidad
- Colesterol elevado
Because your cardiac calcium score can actually detect a marker (calcium) for the actual presence of plaque, it’s a better predictor of heart disease than these factors alone.
"Sometimes it's clear that preventative treatment such as a baby dose of aspirin or a cholesterol-lowering medication would be beneficial. If it's not clear, the cardiac calcium score can break the tie," said Dr. Optican.
Should the calcium score test be repeated?
"For many people, it's one test, at one point in your life. Occasionally, your doctor may want the test repeated several years down the road, especially if your score is zero and you have other concerning risk factors. It depends on each patient's circumstances," said Dr. Optican.
How much does the coronary calcium scan cost?
The cardiac scoring test is available at Duke for $150. "It's not yet covered by insurance, because large-scale randomized controlled studies have not yet been performed to definitively show that screening the general population reduces heart attacks or heart-disease-related deaths," said Dr. Optican.
Why should I have my coronary calcium scan at Duke?
Dr. Optican noted that Duke’s CT equipment is state-of-the-art, and said “in my opinion, there are no radiologists in North Carolina more qualified to interpret the results than Duke’s.”
It’s also easy and convenient to make an appointment: Talk with your provider first. They can enter an order. Then call 919-684-7999 option 1 to schedule a scan, or schedule it through My Duke Health. Appointments are available at:
