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What Is MDCT Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring?
Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS) is a non-invasive way of obtaining information about the location and extent of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries - the vessels that supply oxygen-containing blood to the heart wall. The findings on cardiac MDCT, expressed as a calcium score, help to decide what measures should be taken to avoid increased plaque buildup and more advanced disease.

What Is Coronary Artery Plaque?
Plaque is a build-up of cholesterol and other substances, including calcium, which over time can narrow and may eventually close off the arteries which supply blood to the myocardium (heart muscle).

• High blood cholesterol levels
• Family history of heart disease and/or diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cigarette smoking
• Being overweight and/or physically inactive
  

• Uncomfortable chest pain, fullness or pressure
• Pain spreading to the shoulders, neck or arms
• Chest discomfort with lightheadedness, fainting, nausea, sweating or shortness of breath

Who Should Get a CACS?
It is a diagnostic study that may be ordered by your physician if you have risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms yet. The procedure is most often suggested for men aged 45 years or older and for women aged 55 and above or are postmenopausal.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

• Kills more than 500,000 Americans annually.
• 85% can be halted or prevented if it is discovered early enough.
• MDCT provides a simple and reliable test that identifies those with early CAD so treatment can be started before the disease worsens.

Evolution of Plaque in Coronary Artery Disease