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Coronary calcium score CT

A Coronary calcium score CT is a ct test of the heart arteries. It shows calcium in the heart arteries, a marker of heart risk. Typical effective dose 1 to 3 mSv, similar to about 4 months to 1 year of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year).

General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.

SmartAnswer by DigiNepal SI

A Coronary calcium score CT is a ct test of the heart arteries. It shows calcium in the heart arteries, a marker of heart risk. Typical effective dose 1 to 3 mSv, similar to about 4 months to 1 year of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). What it shows: Calcium in the heart arteries, a marker of heart risk. generated by SI from cited sources · general information, not a diagnosis · consult a health professional

Sources: SI health summary (own words); decoder imaging pack; RadiologyInfo.org and MedlinePlus as references only

What it shows

Calcium in the heart arteries, a marker of heart risk.

Why it is done

Heart risk assessment in selected adults.

Preparation

Remove metal objects. If contrast is used you may need to fast for a few hours; tell staff about allergies, kidney disease, diabetes medicines (metformin) or pregnancy.

Radiation & safety

Typical effective dose 1 to 3 mSv, similar to about 4 months to 1 year of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.

How long it takes

10 minutes. General information, not a diagnosis. Results must be interpreted by a qualified health worker.

Sample type

CT

Consult a doctor to interpret results — a single test does not make a diagnosis.

Related conditions

entry-health-condition-dyslipidaemia

Where to get this near you

Care near you

Uses your location once to list the nearest facilities. Nothing is stored.

Common questions

What does a calcium score show?
Calcium in the heart arteries, a marker of heart risk.

Why is a calcium score done?
Heart risk assessment in selected adults.

How do I prepare for a calcium score?
Remove metal objects. If contrast is used you may need to fast for a few hours; tell staff about allergies, kidney disease, diabetes medicines (metformin) or pregnancy.

Does a calcium score use radiation?
Typical effective dose 1 to 3 mSv, similar to about 4 months to 1 year of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.

How long does a calcium score take?
10 minutes

Why is Coronary calcium score CT done?
Heart risk assessment in selected adults.

How do I prepare for Coronary calcium score CT?
Remove metal objects. If contrast is used you may need to fast for a few hours; tell staff about allergies, kidney disease, diabetes medicines (metformin) or pregnancy.

Is Coronary calcium score CT safe in pregnancy?
Typical effective dose 1 to 3 mSv, similar to about 4 months to 1 year of natural background radiation (about 3 mSv a year). Tell staff if you are or might be pregnant; the benefit usually outweighs the small risk, and shielding or alternatives can be considered.

SI text CC BY 4.0; RadiologyInfo.org (ACR/RSNA) and MedlinePlus linked as references only, no text copied.

Sources: SI health summary (own words); decoder imaging pack; RadiologyInfo.org and MedlinePlus as references only

Emergency — call102