Cardiac Calcium Scoring

Cardiac Calcium Scoring detects early signs of heart disease

OSF Saint James Medical Center provides Cardiac Calcium Scoring, a scan that can indicate the early stages of heart disease. Using OSF Saint James' new GE volume computed tomography (VCT) scanner, Cardiac Calcium Scoring measures the amount of calcified plaque (fatty build-up comprised partially of cholesterol and calcium) on the walls of the arteries of the heart. This calcified plaque is an indicator of heart disease in its early stages. Normally, the coronary arteries do not contain calcium. The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart.
Calcium by itself does not cause a heart attack or stroke, but calcium deposits signal the presence of plaque in the walls of the artery. These deposits usually begin to form years before any symptoms develop.

For 150,000 Americans each year, the first and only sign of heart disease is a fatal heart attack. This means they had no symptoms, their cholesterol levels were normal, they weren't smokers, and nothing abnormal had ever been uncovered in their physical exams. Early detection of calcified plaque, along with changing risk factors such as smoking and cholesterol intake, can slow down coronary artery disease.

Cardiac Calcium Scoring is an assessment of global risk for heart disease, and it is the only screening that looks directly at the heart's arteries. Appropriate candidates are women over 55 and men over 45. It is not recommended for people who are already under the care of a cardiologist, or have already had a heart attack, coronary artery bypass surgery, or angioplasty.

How It Works

Cardiac Calcium Scoring is fast, easy, painless and non-invasive. It does not require injections, treadmills or fasting, however avoiding caffeine for four to six hours prior to the scan is recommended. The scan itself takes about five minutes, and the total time needed is about 30 minutes. A doctor's order or referral is not required.

During the screening, the CT scanner takes about 200 pictures of the heart in thin sections. The pictures are recorded in a computer and reviewed by radiologists from Central Illinois Radiological Associates. A score of zero (low risk) to 400 (high risk) will be assigned to your scan and a letter will be mailed to you within 7-10 days, along with a recommendation for discussing your results with your physician.

Making an Appointment

Cardiac Calcium Scoring screening is $150 per person and can be scheduled by calling OSF Saint James' Scheduling Department at (815) 842-4931. This price includes both the scan and the review and reporting of the results by the radiologist. Because it is a screening examination, it is not covered under most insurance companies or Medicare and payment is due at the time of service.