If you have a high risk of heart disease but no worrisome symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend a Coronary Calcium Screening (CCS). This is a five-minute CT scan (also known as a computed tomography) that uses x-rays to detect buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.
A score of “0” 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 “1” indicating minimal calcification. A score higher than 400 indicates you have extensive calcification in your arteries and your healthcare provider may recommend treatment.
CCS may be recommended for people with no symptoms of heart disease who meet the following criteria:
- Male age 45-75
- Female age 55-75
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Tobacco use
- Obesity
- Family history of early onset of heart disease
Younger people with two or more risk factors may benefit from CCS screening even earlier.
Because this is a screening test to identify risk of heart disease in patients with no symptoms, insurance does not cover the cost of CCS. The cost for the screening is $99, which must be paid in advance. We accept major credit cards and e-checks. CCS screenings are available at Harrisburg Hospital, Community General and Imaging at Fredricksen. No physician prescription is required.
To schedule a Calcium Scoring test call PinnacleHealth toll-free
1-800-654-0924.