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Cardiac Scoring Test

Cardiac scoring tests are used to look for calcium deposits that can lead to clogged coronary arteries. Using CT (computed tomography) imaging, a scanner is able to measure calcium that has built up on blood vessels. This procedure is used to detect the presence of atherosclerosis--also called coronary artery disease (CAD)--which indicates an individual's higher risk of being the victim of a heart attack.

  1. Who Should Get Cardiac Scoring Tests?

    • Cardiac scoring tests may be recommended for patients who have risk factors that indicate they are prone to CAD or are displaying symptoms of heart disease. According to Able Imaging, these include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a family history of heart disease, being or having been a smoker, a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight, a high-stress lifestyle and being over 45 (for men) or 55 (for women) years old. Cardiac scoring tests are not recommended by the American Heart Association or the American College or Cardiology for patients who don't show any symptoms of heart disease.

    Procedure

    • CT scans, which allow physicians to calculate a calcium score, don't require much preparation. Those receiving them should refrain from drinking caffeine or smoking within four hours prior to being administered the test. The scan takes approximately 20 seconds--patients lie on a couch or table, which slides into a round CT scanner. Patients are asked to hold their breath while the scan takes place and are asked to wait afterward until verification of the image for resolution takes place.

    Image Interpretation

    • The imagery taken during a CT scan gives physicians cross-section imagery of the heart. Radiologists are able to analyze the photos for areas of noticeable calcification, and this information is filtered into "cardiac scoring software" that is capable of measuring the amount of calcium situated in the patient's arteries. This quantifiable measurement allows the physician to give a score based on a commonly used scoring scale that place patients in one of several levels of risk for heart disease.

    Scoring

    • A score of 0 (or a negative score) indicates no detectable calcium deposits and a minimal risk of CAD--for people prone to the disease, it may be prudent to repeat the test every five years.

      A positive score of less than 100 indicates some buildup but a similarly low risk for CAD. Patients receiving scores in this range should consult with their doctors about steps they can take to minimize the risk of contracting the disease.

      A score between 101 and 400 indicates a considerable amount of plaque and an increased risk for heart disease or a future heart attack. Physicians may prescribe measures to prevent further buildup.

      A score above 400 places a patient at serious risk for a heart attack. Patients should consult with their doctors at once, and treatment should begin to lower the risk of further problems.

    Benefits and Risks

    • According to RadiologyInfo.org, a cardiac scoring test is an effective way of assessing risk of a heart attack--it is also painless and generally entails no side effects. As with all X-rays, a patient undergoing a CT scan is at increased risk for cancer associated with exposure to radiation; as a result, pregnant women should generally refrain from receiving this scan. Finally, a high score from a CT scan sometimes leads to other tests that can prove unnecessary and have side effects of their own.

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