Coronary Calcium Scoring & CTA

Calcium Scoring and Coronary CT Angiography which can evaluate your risk of developing coronary heart disease, is now available at the Carter Imaging Center. The Calcium Scoring test, which takes less than an hour, calculates the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries using the Framingham Risk Score to assign a number which correlates to different levels of risk. In general, a high calcium score is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events, while a zero or low score is associated with a very low risk of coronary artery disease. This test looks at age, gender, blood pressure, smoking history, and cholesterol levels to determine who is at risk. The risk score is then used by physicians to determine which patients should make healthier lifestyle changes or be treated medically.

Coronary CT Angiography (CTA) involves the use of intravenous contrast dye to image the coronary arteries. It evaluates the coronary arteries for disease that has resulted in narrowing of the arteries. Coronary artery disease is usually created by atherosclerosis. This process occurs to some extent in all individuals, though it may be accelerated in those with high “cholesterol” levels.

Please call 520.263.3900 for an appointment. A Physician’s referral is required.