Cardiac calcium scoringin Merrylands.
A non-contrast CT assessment of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It can contribute to cardiovascular risk assessment for selected people.
Your scan arrangements
Contact the clinic to confirm appointment requirements and preparation for your specific scan.
Contact & location331 Merrylands Road
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A score used in context
Coronary artery calcium scoring measures calcified plaque visible on a CT scan. The score can help your practitioner refine an assessment of future cardiovascular risk in selected circumstances.
It is not a stand-alone prediction and is not suitable for everyone. Your practitioner considers it alongside factors such as age, medical history and other risk information.
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What it does not show
A calcium score does not assess all plaque or directly establish the severity of every narrowing. A score of zero does not guarantee there is no coronary disease.
Calcium scoring is different from CT coronary angiography, which is a different examination. This practice’s service list does not include coronary angiography. It is also different from cardiac ultrasound, which assesses heart structure and function.
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The examination
The scan uses CT without injected contrast. You lie on the scanner table and may be asked to hold your breath briefly; heart-rhythm monitoring may be used to coordinate the images.
CT uses ionising radiation. Discuss suitability with your practitioner, and tell the imaging team if you are pregnant or could be pregnant.
Calcium scoring is not an emergency test for chest pain. Seek urgent medical help for new or severe symptoms rather than waiting for a screening scan.
Preparation for your scan
Ask your practitioner whether calcium scoring is appropriate for your risk assessment. Confirm the clinic’s appointment and preparation instructions; do not assume the scan is suitable because you have no symptoms.
General information only. Follow the clinic’s instructions for your individual examination.
Patient informationGE Revolution Altitude Plus 128-slice low-dose CT scanner
This equipment supports the CT service at Advanced Diagnostics. The examination is selected for your clinical question.
Common questions
No. It does not rule out all plaque or coronary disease. The result must be interpreted with your clinical circumstances.
A coronary calcium score is a non-contrast CT examination. Confirm the specific scan requested with the clinic.
No. Cardiac ultrasound assesses heart structure and function with sound waves. Calcium scoring assesses calcified coronary plaque using CT.
Further information: Heart Foundation: coronary artery calcium score ↗
Related services
Your local imaging clinic.
331 Merrylands Road, Merrylands, NSW, AustraliaMerrylands Road
Merrylands · NSW