Calcium Scoring is a cardiac diagnostic test used to detect calcium deposits in atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. Using computerized tomography (CT), heart care providers are able to detect coronary calcification from atherosclerosis before symptoms develop. The more coronary calcium that is found means there is more coronary atherosclerosis, suggesting a greater likelihood of significant narrowing somewhere in the coronary system and a higher risk of future cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes.
The calcium-score screening is a non-invasive heart scan that is used to evaluate risk for future coronary artery disease. Those at increased risk include individuals with:
Because there are certain forms of coronary disease that can escape detection during a CT scan, it is important to remember that this test is not absolute in predicting risk for life-threatening events, such as a heart attack.
Calcium Scoring is available at three locations in the Denver area: Good Samaritan Medical Center in Lafayette, Lutheran Medical Center in Wheat Ridge, and Platte Valley Medical Center in Brighton.
A physician order is needed to schedule the test, but note that Calcium Scoring is not always covered by insurance. If paying out-of-pocket, Calcium Scoring costs $98.
Results will be communicated to the patient as well as their primary care provider.
To schedule a test, please call: