Coronary calcium scoring (CCS) is a five-minute CT scan (also known as computed tomography) that uses imaging technology to detect the buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.
UPMC uses the most advanced technology to deliver accurate results and offers CCS at convenient locations throughout the region.
Coronary calcium scoring (CCS) is a five-minute CT scan (also known as computed tomography) that uses imaging technology to detect the buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.
Yes. CCS shows how much calcium is in your arteries and whether they are blocked.
CCS is an accurate way to show your risk for cardiovascular disease and other complications, such as a heart attack.
If you have a moderate risk of heart disease but no worrisome symptoms, your health care provider may recommend CCS, a quick test that helps determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD).
CCS may be recommended for people with no symptoms of heart disease who meet certain criteria including:
Younger people with two or more risk factors may benefit from CCS screening even earlier.
You may schedule your own coronary calcium scoring screening, but a prescription is required. Please check with your health care provider to see if this screening may benefit you.
For most people, CCS is a safe procedure to screen for coronary artery disease with a low risk of complications. However, there are minimal risks related to radiation exposure. CCS is not safe for people who are pregnant.
CCS can show signs of coronary artery disease before it causes symptoms, allowing you to get treatment before complications develop. However, CCS is not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits for you.
Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take and ask if you should make any changes to your medicines or to your diet before the test. You will receive instructions before your scheduled test, including:
Before the test, you will remove any clothing above your waist and put on a hospital gown.
You may receive an IV so you can get medicine during the test. We may inject contrast material called gadolinium through the IV in order to get a better picture of your heart. Gadolinium does not contain iodine.
CCS takes about five minutes.
After completing your test, you can resume your normal activities immediately. As long as you are feeling well, you should be able to drive yourself home.
You should call your doctor if you experience any complications after your CCS test, including:
A score of zero indicates either that there is no calcified plaque in your coronary arteries or it is so minor it cannot be measured. Scores showing the extent of calcified plaque range from 1 to 400, with one indicating minimal calcification. A score higher than 400 indicates you have extensive calcification in your arteries and your health care provider may recommend treatment.
The higher your CCS score, the greater your risk for coronary artery disease. A CCS score of:
UPMC uses the latest, low-dose CT scan technology to perform CCS tests, which can be scheduled at convenient locations across the region. If your results show that you need additional care, UPMC offers a full range of treatment options to meet your individual needs.
By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.
