A coronary calcium scan is an imaging test used to look for deposits of plaque in the inner lining of the blood vessels of the heart (coronary arteries). Plaque is made up of calcium, protein, and fatty substances. These deposits of plaque can partly clog and narrow the coronary arteries without producing any symptoms or warning signs. This puts a person at risk for a heart attack.

A coronary calcium scan is performed using a computed tomography (CT) scanner machine without using a dye (contrast).

This test is recommended for people who are at moderate risk for heart disease. The test can find plaque deposits before symptoms develop.

Tell a health care provider about:

• Any allergies you have.

• All medicines you are taking, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.

• Any problems you or family members have had with anesthetic medicines.

• Any bleeding problems you have.

• Any surgeries you have had.

• Any medical conditions you have.

• Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

What are the risks?

What happens before the procedure?

Ask your health care provider for any specific instructions on how to prepare for this procedure. You may be asked to avoid products that contain caffeine, tobacco, or nicotine for 4 hours before the procedure.

What happens during the procedure?

• You will undress and remove any jewelry from your neck or chest. You may need to remove hearing aides and dentures. Women may need to remove their bras.

• You will put on a hospital gown.

• Sticky electrodes will be placed on your chest. The electrodes will be connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to record a tracing of the electrical activity of your heart.

• You will lie down on your back on a curved bed that is attached to the CT scanner.

• You may be given medicine to slow down your heart rate so that clear pictures can be created.

• You will be moved into the CT scanner, and the CT scanner will take pictures of your heart. During this time, you will be asked to lie still and hold your breath for 10–20 seconds at a time while each picture of your heart is being taken.

The procedure may vary among health care providers and hospitals.

What can I expect after the procedure?

• You can return to your normal activities.

• It is up to you to get the results of your procedure. Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the procedure, when your results will be ready.

Summary

• A coronary calcium scan is an imaging test used to look for deposits of plaque in the inner lining of the blood vessels of the heart. Plaque is made up of calcium, protein, and fatty substances.

• A coronary calcium scan is performed using a CT scanner machine without contrast.

• Generally, this is a safe procedure. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.

• Ask your health care provider for any specific instructions on how to prepare for this procedure.

• You can return to your normal activities after the scan is done.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.