Coronary Calcium-Score Test for Heart Risk

To learn more about calcium-score screening heart scan, please visit cle.clinic/3ADpEkI
A calcium-score screening heart test (also called coronary calcium scan) is a test that uses computerized tomography (CT) to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries of your heart. A higher coronary calcium score suggests you have a higher chance of significant narrowing in the coronary arteries and a higher risk of future heart attack. Cardiologist Dr. Milind Desai talks about the test and why your doctor may order one, who should and should not get this test, how the test results are used, other information you can find through calcium-score testing, and how tests are ordered and results provided at Cleveland Clinic.
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[@Mike-01234]

Friend had heart scan after he saw something on the news about it, he was a past smoker. They found stage 1 lung cancer completely asymptomatic doctor said if had not got that CT scan of the heart never would have seen it probably not have symptoms until stage 4. They did surgery and chemo he had no further problems been 5 years. These scans are good because they check other areas it can see also.

[@tinyhoovesranch4085]

This test saved my brother in laws life

[@Christinesobsevations]

❤

[@abundela76]

How?

[@htoddgriffin4787]

I just did a heart/lung scan for $149 in Raleigh, NC. Several locations offer heart only for $99. My scan covered thyroid, heart, lungs, as well as trachea.

[@darlenem126]

Do you mind saying where? In Greenville NC it's 350 to 600, with dr referral.

[@BM-ms3gr]

Great pricing, makes it accessible for everyone. 🙏🏻

[@anthonywalsh2164]

I went for one at 55 after discussing it with my doctor so we could establish what risk I was dealing with. Thanks be to God, I had a zero score. The radiologist was arguing with me that it was completely unnecessary. Just told him to do his job.

[@Mike-01234]

That's odd never heard of a radiologist performing the test usually it's a tech. The radiologist is not even in the building they read the scans from home some other office.

[@amirthalingamraja3164]

First check angiogram then you know

[@mercercraft7224]

Zero at your age it good, but does not give clean bill of health. The hard calcium does not cause heart attacks. The soft stuff, which does not show up on a CT, is what bursts and causes heart events.

[@Mike-01234]

@@mercercraft7224 After I got mine it was 15 doctor just shrugged said it didn't mean much. Now I see why insurance doesn't pay this test really can't predict anything. I guess good way to check your lungs once a year. Been seeing more nonsmoking lung cancer popping up these days at least on social media. Young people in their 30's.

[@lansing66]

I am getting the test this coming Feb 21st, Akumin is only charging $49 for the month of Feb!

[@seascape35]

I am surprised of how positive this Cleveland Clinic doctor is about the CAC score. There is a lot of controversy about it. Search for it. It can unnecessarily frighten some patients who have a high score (from stabilized plaque that has calcium in it), but who are not at great risk. This can lead to unnecessary fear and depression. Some patients with low scores think they are safe when they are not. (Soft dangerous plaques not detected) Age is a factor. It reminds me of how aggressively some urologists advocate PSA testing and biopsies for mens' prostates. Another nuanced test which can send you down dangerous rabbit holes.

[@oregon32nursenurse43]

Yes! I am a registered nurse and you are 💯 correct

[@CharlesMichaelSidwell]

My primary refuses to give me an order for a heart scan. He claims a stress test is the gold standard. I want a calcium heart scan!! Maybe I need to find a doctor who actually listens to my requests. It's my body! It's my health!

[@kakaimysore8323]

Dr , in your video you are advocating for ct coronary angiography, but what to do if high calcium scores are reported, scores from 25 to 4000 are advised to take statins , soft plaques not detectable, figures are scaring may send asymptomatic persons to depression, please also give advise for solution.

[@Wanderingsomewhere145]

How does one compare calcium CT to an angiogram. Let’s say the CT showed more blockage than the angiogram?

[@dmmcmah1]

How often should the test be done? I did it in 2016 at age 52 and had a score of 0.

[@mme4211]

I have a very high LDL cholesterol, and I do not want to take a statin (just do not want to!). I also have high HDL so my risk is wonky--so my doctor suggested I get this test to help my decision. I am a 57 yr old woman.

[@Mindcoach1on1]

And what were the results I’m curious.

[@adelinespeer6269]

I had very high LDL 4 years ago now LDL the best its been the best in 6 years triglycerides the best too. Never took fake vaccine

[@polarweis]

Why not take statin?

[@SOZO_xo]

I just had one and only paid $99. No physician referral…this was self paid.

[@KH-jf8ps]

where did you do at? in the USA?

[@SOZO_xo]

@@KH-jf8ps Tulsa, Oklahoma @ Hillcrest South.

[@Victor43377]

$50 at Dallas medical center. I have my test today

[@SOZO_xo]

@@Victor43377 Wow even better….hope all turns out ok.

[@LK-bz9sk]

Got one in Texas w out a doctors referal for $75.

[@rogerg4916]

It is not true that a physician's order is required for this test. Any adult can request and get the test. It will be interpreted by a cardiologist and if there is any positive finding the patient will be advised to consult a physician. Interestingly, although the test is much more specific for coronary disease than a cholesterol test it is not paid for by Medicare.???

[@rogerg4916]

Addendum: It may be that whether a physician's order is required is regulated by state law.

[@sw6118]

@@rogerg4916 Many clinics will let you take tests, but they want to report results to your doctor and have your doctor “discuss” your results with you. If your doctor prescribes the test, it may be covered by insurance. If it wasn’t prescribed, there’s no coverage. If you call around the test may not be that expensive. It’s funny to watch MDs begin to support this test. Ivor Cummins has been pushing it for a long time. Too bad that there’s no clarity on the treatment protocols for the different levels of calcium.

[@rogerg4916]

@@sw6118 There are protocols for how the test result is reported. If the score is zero the report may just advise to follow-up with personal physician as needed. For a higher score it may say "see your physician for further evaluation". For a very high score it may say "see a cardiologist as soon as possible". As for treatment protocols, this cannot be based solely on the score because further evaluation is required. It is important to understand that the test only shows CALCIFIED plaque. Even with a score of zero there could be a lot of "soft" plaque which is actually more dangerous.

[@nancyd7441]

It depends which state you live in. In NY you need a request for the test by a physician.

[@fayejordan175]

@@rogerg4916 you aren’t likely at all to have much plaque of any kind if you score a zero

[@kerryhouser2989]

My score is 314, I'm having minor chest.

[@shanevallacevallace9096]

My calcium score by agatston method is 31.5 should I be concerned?

[@viadharmawheel]

Ask your doctor. But, calcium is stabilized and won't break off. Soft plaque is not detected which is more dangerous as it is easier to break off, etc.

[@mercercraft7224]

How old are you? If you are under 30 and have ANY score above zero that is not good. See medical doctor.

[@jackpeng4203]

take statinvto lower ldlc less than 70mg/dl

[@brownr749]

Anyone know the highest number of a CT calcium score?

[@abadplanner1]

I have 5200

[@cathywoltering5119]

I wish they offered it for $45 in Cincinnati

[@doctorj2u2]

In Louisiana it was $99. I was fine with that.

[@jenniferpetoniak4576]

In Buffalo it cost me $80. My score was 75. Which I’m told is mild buildup. Dr did recommend a statin.

[@ejf6296]

What is worse, heart disease or cancer?

[@jeffj318]

Heart disease kills more people than cancer.

[@deletedaccount5045]

Good point

[@jimmyhvy2277]

My Friend is 80 YO Dutch Man with a Calcium score of 900 I Guess he hasn't long to go .

[@abdullahal-shimri3091]

My calcium score was 14 and I am 44 years old.

[@waltk7624]

All of sudden everyone is taking the test many are in the 2000 range other in the three digits all not overweight in their 60s and very active. BEWARE of Dr.s

[@letitsnow8518]

But you expose people with heavy radiation! 80 times more!

[@htoddgriffin4787]

The radiological exposure is actually very low.

[@TheCourier54]

My heart calcium score, done at University Hospital two days ago, was 1100. I'm a dead man.

[@larryd5192]

Mine was 3600, your not dead. I've been on a Statin for 15 years (61 yrs old now).

[@kathym9322]

Please look up dr Caldwell Esselstyn. Read his book Prevent and reverse heart disease. You will be amazed. You can take control of this.

[@joelcasas7222]

@larryd5192 Was your CAC score 3,600 before statins? Or recently is it 3,600 after statins?

[@larryd5192]

@@joelcasas7222 been on statins for 20 years. So after

[@gabymalembe]

CAC 1188 12 years ago, so far no symptoms. Started a statin, k-2, etc. after the scan.

[@kavalere]

my score is 248 :( How high of a risk am I facing?

[@blueberrycobbler]

Ask your personal physician.

[@george5120]

@@blueberrycobbler What makes you think his physician knows? My own physician never thought to ask for a CAC score test. I had to ask him for it. And with doctor appointments lasting no longer then ten minutes, that is why patients seek info online in the first place.

[@moshedayan2810]

Only relevant in person past 50-55

[@thomasschierer9326]

Coronary Artery Calcium Score = 1862 LM: 96 LAD: 414 DIAG: 193 LCX: 3 OMARG: 0 RCA: 1156 PDA: 0

[@maggiemirenda7146]

Omgoodness, I just got mine back at 736 😮 but seeing yours makes me scared for you 🙏🏼

[@thomasschierer9326]

yes awaiting more tests now cause the plaque could be on the outside of the veins and don't know if its soft plaque and don't know the particle size of plaque all these things will determine if i need heart surgery. also have blood clot left calf and my femoral artery is 98% full of calcium that is why I paid for CAC. @@maggiemirenda7146