Calcium Scan: Significance, Risks, Lifestyle And Management
A calcium scan measures heart disease risk by detecting calcium deposits in arteries. Learn its significance, how it works, potential risks, lifestyle tips, and management strategies for heart health and prevention.
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Last updated on 9th May, 2025
A calcium scan, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, is a non-invasive imaging test that detects the presence of calcium deposits in the heart's arteries. This calcium build-up is an important marker of atherosclerosis, which can cause coronary artery disease and heart attacks.
Early detection of calcium deposits via a calcium scan may help estimate the risk for a cardiovascular event and guide suitable preventive measures. The article discusses calcium scans, their importance, procedure, risks, eligibility, and the role of lifestyle changes in heart health management.
How Does Calcium Scan Work?
Here is how a calcium scan examination is performed:
Computed Tomography (CT) Machine Usage
A coronary calcium scan uses its designated computed tomography (CT) scanner, which is essentially an X-ray device. However, it has a smaller amount of radiation to take clear pictures of the heart as well as its blood vessels.
Finding Calcium Deposits
Most patients are called to an exam at the facility, where coronary calcium deposits are first detected through the scans. Calcium accumulation is visible in small spots on the images of the computed tomography (CT) scan, which is a sign related to atherosclerosis.
No Need for Contrast Dye
The coronary calcium scan does not necessitate the use of any contrast dye, making it much simpler and less invasive compared to other imaging tests.
Technician Operated
First, a skilled radiologic technician carries out the computed tomography (CT) scans. Subsequently, the doctor assesses the results to determine the calcium deposits in the patient’s heart.
Result Scoring
The patient is assigned a coronary calcium score in accordance with a particular amount of calcium accumulation in their arteries, which determines the risks of cardiovascular disease.
Why is a Calcium Scan Done?
A coronary calcium scan assesses the calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. This is a vital test in detecting the very early phases of coronary artery disease (CAD). The scan may be advised for the following reasons:
Risk Assessment for Heart Disease: The scan becomes a detector of plaque, which is a fusion of calcium, fats, and other substances in the arteries. Such a plaque can gradually narrow or fully obstruct the arteries, causing heart disease.
Diagnosis for the Early Onset Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Plaque often develops slowly and may remain unnoticed initially. A calcium scan can detect hardened plaque before it causes severe issues.
Family History of Early Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Serious Cases: A calcium scan should be considered for one who has a family history of early coronary artery disease as it increases the possibility of the risk.
Intermediate Risk of Heart Disease: When a patient is classified as being at intermediate risk for heart disease, a calcium scan can give a clearer cardiovascular status in comparison to simply being classified as low or high risk.
Uncertain Heart Disease Prognosis: In patients whose disease risk is unclear, it is best to have such patients undergo a calcium scan. It may help in confirming the presence of plaque, thus playing a role in risk evaluation.
Guide Treatment Decisions: Results from the scan can help determine the most appropriate treatment path, mainly for those who have low or moderate risk factors related to heart disease. There is another group with low risk that may clearly have to focus on lifestyle changes or preventive treatments.
Who Should Consider a Calcium Scan?
People who should undergo this test include those with the following risk factors:
Family history of heart disease
Obesity
High cholesterol levels
High blood pressure
Tobacco use
High-stress levels
Sedentary lifestyle
Consult a Cardiologist to Know Why You Need a Calcium Scan
Things to Remember Before Preparing for a Calcium Scan
Before the calcium score test, individuals need to do the following:
Individuals must make the healthcare provider aware of any allergies, medications, or pregnancy status.
People must change their clothes for a hospital gown.
Patients should not eat, drink, or consume tobacco or caffeine for at least four hours before the test.
Individuals have to recline on the back and lie on a special table to the centre of a scanner, which looks like a doughnut.
It would be necessary to shave and clean three small points on the chest before the physician applies the electrodes.
What Happens During the Coronary Calcium Scan Procedure?
Here is a detailed explanation of what happens during the coronary calcium scan procedure:
Electrode Placement: Before the scan, sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on the patient’s chest and sometimes on their arms or legs. These electrodes are attached to a machine that monitors their heartbeat throughout the procedure.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner Positioning: The scan is performed using a computed tomography (CT) scanner. The patient lies down on their back on a movable table. While scanning, the table enters a tube-shaped device keeping the patient’s head staying outside the machine.
Heart Rate Slowing Medication: If required, the patient is given medication to slow their heart rate, which may help produce clearer images during the scan. If the individual feels anxious or nervous, relaxation medicine might also be given.
Monitoring During Scan: The healthcare professional performing the test can see and speak with the patient every time throughout the procedure, making sure that he or she is comfortable in the situation.
Time Taken in the Test: The whole test never usually lasts longer than 10 to 15 minutes.
Understanding Cardiac Calcium Score Results
An individual’s coronary calcium score enables healthcare specialists to analyse the risk of coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease (CAD), and heart ailments. Here is a tabular explanation:
Lifestyle Management After Calcium Scan
After undergoing a calcium scan test, individuals should take certain measures, change their lifestyle habits, and ensure the following:
People should begin treatment with a statin to control their cholesterol.
Patients should exercise a lot as guided.
Individuals should adjust their diet and avoid oily foods as much as possible.
Patients should undergo further tests and schedule more follow-up appointments to keep track of their health.
Conclusion
The calcium scan procedure is an exceptional diagnosis method that helps in the early detection of heart disease. This non-invasive test reveals calcium deposits within the coronary arteries, allowing early intervention and better prevention of cardiovascular events.
As more research is conducted on heart disease, the role of calcium scans in predicting and preventing heart disease will likely grow, helping patients manage their heart health in a better way.
Consult Top Cardiologists
Consult Top Cardiologists
Dr. Kapil Challawar
Cardiologist
7 Years • MD, DM (Cardiology)
Guwahati
Apollo Excel Care Hospita, Guwahati, Guwahati
Dr. Mangesh Danej
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Cardiology)
Pune
Dr Danej clinic, Pune
(350+ Patients)
Dr Yogendra Singh Rajput
Cardiologist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (General Madicine), DM (Cardiology)
Gurugram
Svasthya Child & Cardiac Care, Gurugram
Dr Rohit Kumar
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Cardiology
Kolkata
Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Thangamalar
Cardiologist
3 Years • MD DM cardiology
Dindigul
Nirvin heart and Lung hospital, Dindigul
Consult a Cardiologist to Know Why You Need a Calcium Scan
Dr. Kapil Challawar
Cardiologist
7 Years • MD, DM (Cardiology)
Guwahati
Apollo Excel Care Hospita, Guwahati, Guwahati
Dr. Mangesh Danej
Cardiologist
8 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DNB (Cardiology)
Pune
Dr Danej clinic, Pune
(350+ Patients)
Dr Yogendra Singh Rajput
Cardiologist
16 Years • MBBS, MD (General Madicine), DM (Cardiology)
Gurugram
Svasthya Child & Cardiac Care, Gurugram
Dr Rohit Kumar
Cardiologist
10 Years • MBBS, MD Medicine, DM Cardiology
Kolkata
Calcutta Medical Research Institute, Kolkata
(125+ Patients)
Dr. Thangamalar
Cardiologist
3 Years • MD DM cardiology
Dindigul
Nirvin heart and Lung hospital, Dindigul
