Cardiac Calcium Score

Cardiac Calcium Scoring is a quick and non-invasive test that uses a CT exam to detect and measure the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, which is an indicator of heart disease. Cardiac Calcium Scoring can detect calcium deposits before they get large enough to obstruct the blood vessel. 

Cardiac Calcium Scoring can be scheduled at: 

• Suburban Imaging - Coon Rapids  (Scheduling: 763.792.1999)
• Suburban Imaging - Southdale  (Scheduling: 952.893.0000)

This is a valuable screening test to identify an individual who has no symptoms, but has significant plaque in the blood vessel wall.  It is not unusual for this small amount of plaque to change shape and attract a clot, thus resulting in a heart attack.

An appropriate candidate is male, age 35-70, or female, age 40-70, with at least one of the following risk factors:

• Family history of heart disease
• Smoking
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• High blood pressure
• Overweight
• Sedentary lifestyle

Patients who are not candidates for the test include those who have a history of coronary artery surgery or disease, angina, heart attack or coronary stent.

While a referral is not needed to schedule this test, it should be done under the supervison of your healthcare provider to properly use the data.

• No smoking or caffeine four house prior to the test.
• Refrain from applying lotions or oils to your chest the day of the exam.
• Wear comfortable clothes without metal fasteners, including zippers, buttons and snaps. You may be asked to change into a gown.
• Bring with you:
     - Your appointment form
     - A valid photo ID
• Let us know about any of the following:
     - Have coronary artery disease
     - Have a resting heart rate above 90-95 beats per minute (resting tachycardia 
     - Pregnancy – known or possible
• Please let us know if you have an insulin pump or glucose monitor. Our imaging machines may cause your device to malfunction, so it will need to be removed during your exam.

Areas of calcification will be marked and quantified. With this information, you will be put into one of five categories of risk, ranging from normal to extremely high.

Your images will be interpreted by one of our board-certified radiologists. The results will be sent to your healthcare provider, so that they can review the results with you and determine if any follow-up is needed.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring is considered an out-of-pocket test and is not covered by most insurance companies, including Medicare. The cost of the test is $100; payment is due when you check in for your appointment (cash, check or credit card is accepted). Your insurance will not be billed for this test, although flexible spending dollars or a health savings account can be used.