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CT Coronary Calcium Scan

A CT coronary calcium scan is a noninvasive test that uses special x-ray equipment to produce detailed pictures, or images, of the coronary arteries. The test can help show whether you have plaque in your coronary arteries, which leads to a high risk of coronary artery disease. Dr. Maddahi performs the cutting-edge CT coronary calcium scan to get ahead of potential heart conditions and help you maintain and restore optimal cardiac health in Los Angeles.

Why Is It Done

The CT coronary calcium scan is used to assess the risk of developing heart disease. However, it is important to remember that the test is not used to diagnose heart disease. The test is most often used in people who have no symptoms of heart disease but are at high risk for developing the condition, such as those with a family history of heart conditions, high blood pressure, smoking diabetes, or obesity.

The Importance of CT Coronary Calcium Scans

The CT coronary calcium scan displays if you have plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, which can help the cardiologist determine the risk of coronary artery disease. CAD is a medical condition wherein a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries limits blood flow to the heart, thus increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. By identifying plaque buildup at an early stage, your cardiologist can address the problem before major complications occur.

What to Expect

During the CT coronary calcium scan, you will lie on a table that moves through the CT scanner. The test is painless and takes about 10 minutes. During the test, the CT scanner takes pictures of your heart. A computer then analyzes the pictures to look for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The amount of calcium present is measured in a unit called Agatston units.

The test results are reported as a score. The higher the score, the greater the risk of heart disease. A score of zero means that no calcium was found, a score of 1 to 99 means a mild risk of heart disease, a score of 100 to 299 means a moderate risk of heart disease, and a score of more than 300 means a high risk of heart disease.

After the scan is complete, the images will be reviewed by a cardiologist. The results of the scan will be given to you in a report, which will indicate the locations and severity of any calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. If the test shows that you are at high risk, your doctor will likely recommend additional tests and lifestyle changes to reduce your risk.

Please note: if the scan shows that you have calcium deposits in your coronary arteries, it does not necessarily mean that you have atherosclerosis or a coronary artery disease. However, it is a sign that you may be at increased risk for developing heart conditions. Your doctor will likely recommend additional testing to confirm the diagnosis and recommend risk mitigation methods.

Protect & Restore Your Cardiac Health

Cardiologist in Los Angeles

CT coronary calcium scan is just one of the many cutting-edge technologies and tools that Dr. Maddahi, one of the leading cardiologist experts in Los Angeles, uses to help you manage the risk of cardiovascular conditions. As a professor of cardiology at UCLA, he is at the forefront of cardiological breakthroughs and uses cutting-edge techniques to help you protect and restore your cardiac health. Please consult Dr. Maddahi to plan your return to good health.

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