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Cardiac CT and calcium score
Cardiac CT is a computed tomography examination of the heart and the coronary arteries. It includes two assessments, which can be performed separately or together:
- Calcium score: a quick, low-dose scan without contrast that measures the amount of calcium deposited in the walls of the coronary arteries, a marker of atherosclerosis;
- coronary CT angiography: performed with contrast injected into a vein, it shows the inside of the coronary arteries and can detect any narrowing (stenosis).
What it is used for
- estimating cardiovascular risk in people without symptoms but with risk factors (calcium score);
- assessing chest pain when the likelihood of coronary artery disease is low or intermediate;
- reliably ruling out significant narrowing of the coronary arteries;
- checking coronary bypass grafts and some congenital coronary anomalies;
- helping the cardiologist choose treatments and further tests.
How the test is carried out
You lie on the couch and a few electrodes are placed on your chest: the scan is synchronised with the electrocardiogram to obtain sharp images of the beating heart. During the acquisition you will be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds.
For CT angiography the heart rate needs to be slow and regular: if necessary, the doctor may give you a medicine to slow it down. The contrast medium is injected into a vein in the arm and may cause a brief warm sensation.
Preparation and precautions
On the day of the test, avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks and smoking, as they raise the heart rate. No other preparation is needed for the calcium score alone. If coronary CT angiography with contrast is planned, you will usually need to:
- fast for a few hours beforehand, as instructed;
- bring a recent creatinine blood test;
- tell us about allergies, current medication (especially for diabetes) and any known arrhythmias;
- keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Like any CT scan, the test uses ionising radiation: always tell us if you are or might be pregnant. Please bring your referral, a recent ECG and your cardiology records.
Services
Cardiac CT and calcium score
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*Waiting times refer to working days and to the first available specialist.
CalatafimiMed is in Palermo and is open from Monday to Saturday. For any further information you can contact the centre here.