What is a coronary calcium score?
Coronary calcium score is measuring the amount of calcium present in the arteries. The presence of calcium in arteries is a sign of coronary arteries, a strong risk factor for a heart attack. The coronary calcium score is evaluated by scanning computer tomography (CT), which evaluates the location and range of artery calcification.
During the CT scan, the patient lies on his back. The electrodes are attached to the chest, so the electrocardiographic machine can record the heart's electrical activity. Furthermore, there is a scan, during which the table on which the patient lies, passes through the scanning machine CT. This procedure uses multiple X -rays and sophisticated computer imaging device to generate heart images. The setting and CT procedure takes approximately 10 minutes.
Although the scan used to evaluate the calcium score of coronary calcium involves exposure to greater radiation than conventional X -ray, procedure is not more dangerous. The sensors detect the amount during scanningthe radiation to which the person is exposed to ensure that the exposure is minimal. As with conventional X -rays, however, pregnant women and women who suspect that they are pregnant should avoid this scan.
The results of CT scan the artery calcification are interpreted by a radiologist. It examines scanning images and assigns a coronary calcium score based on how extensive artery calcification is. When the test is negative, it means that there is very little or no calcification and the evaluation of an individual has a very low chance of a heart attack over the next two to five years.
If the test results are positive, the person who underwent testing has some calcification of coronary artery. It is assigned a score based on the extent of calcification and this score is one of the indicators, the husband to use to assess the risk of heart attack. The higher the score, the greater the chance that the individual mcan have a heart attack. However, it is only an approximate indicator and it is not the only factor that the doctor will consider when evaluating the risk of an individual to have a heart attack.
Coronary calcium score has certain limitations that mean that it is not suitable for each individual. Younger people, especially those under the age of 50, may have coronary arteries, even if calcification is not present. This means that someone may have a disease, but after a coronary CT scan shows a negative result. Another limitation is that someone who has a rapid heart rhythm may not be able to undergo a test. This is because the heart rate of 90 beats per minute or more can reduce the quality of the CT scan scanning.