What is a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a screening test for people who have no symptoms of heart disease but may be at risk for getting it. The test uses computed tomography (CT) to check for calcium buildup in plaque on the walls of the coronary arteries. The coronary arteries wrap around the heart and supply it with blood and oxygen. Calcium in these arteries is an early sign of heart disease. During the test, a CT scan takes pictures of your heart in thin sections. The result is a score based on the amount of calcium seen on the scan. The higher your calcium score, the higher your risk for a heart attack. Most health insurance plans do not pay for coronary calcium scanning. The cost of the test can range from $300 to $500. Another test, called CT angiography, can also tell how much calcium has built up in your arteries. This test costs more than a standard coronary calcium scan. It uses a special dye that is injected into a vein (IV) in your arm. CT angiography is best for people who already ha
