CT Coronary Calcium Scoring
Calcium Score
At South Coast Radiology, we offer CT Coronary Calcium Scoring (commonly known as a Calcium Score scan) to assess your heart health quickly, safely, and accurately.
This non-invasive test measures calcium build-up in your coronary arteries. Calcium build-up is an important indicator of your risk for developing heart disease.
Using advanced multi-slice CT scanners and low-dose imaging technology, our radiologists provide precise, reliable results to help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your long-term cardiac health.
Cardiac Services
What is a Calcium Score scan?
A Calcium Score scan is a specialised CT scan that detects and measures calcium deposits in the walls of your heart’s arteries.
Calcium build-up can indicate atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque hardens and narrows the arteries, potentially leading to heart attack or stroke.
The scan is quick, painless and non-invasive, taking only a few minutes to complete, and requires no injections or special preparation.
Why might I need a Calcium Score scan?
Your doctor may recommend this scan if you:
- Have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or smoking history
- Have a family history of heart disease
- Experience chest discomfort or shortness of breath during exertion
- Want to assess your current heart health or guide lifestyle changes
- Are considering starting preventive medication (e.g. statins)
The calcium score result gives a clear picture of your cardiovascular risk, helping your doctor tailor a prevention or treatment plan.
About Your Test
Before your appointment
Our team will guide you through every step to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.
- No fasting or injections are required.
- Wear comfortable clothing with no metal near your chest area.
- Avoid caffeine and smoking for at least 2 hours before your scan, as they may affect your heart rate.
- Please bring your referral and Medicare card.
- Let our staff know if you have a known irregular heartbeat or have had previous heart imaging.
On the day
- You’ll lie on the CT table, and small ECG electrodes will be placed on your chest to synchronise the images with your heartbeat.
- The scan itself takes just a few minutes and is completely painless.
- You’ll be asked to briefly hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken.
- No contrast dye or injections are used.
- Our technologist will monitor you at all times to ensure comfort and accuracy.
After your appointment
- You can return to your normal activities immediately after.
- Your results will be reviewed by a specialist radiologist, who will calculate your total Agatston calcium score.
- A detailed report will be sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss your results and any follow-up recommendations.
- Depending on your score, your doctor may suggest lifestyle changes, further tests, or preventive treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It uses a very low dose of radiation and no contrast injection. The procedure is fast, safe, and non-invasive.
Yes. A referral from your GP or specialist is required to access this service.
Prior to your scan and to ensure optimal imaging, you may be asked to change into a gown. A change cubicle will be provided to ensure your privacy and you will be asked to bring your belongings will you, carry baskets are provided. You will be asked to place your belongings in a suitable location within the room for the duration of your scan. After your scan, you will be provided with a change cubicle to ensure your privacy. Please ensure you have all your belongings with you prior to leaving the department. If you accidentally leave anything behind, please contact our staff to advise and we will endeavour to locate your belongings and return them to you.
Your images and report are provided through a secure online system to your doctor or healthcare provider. You will need to make an appointment with your referring doctor for a few days after your appointment to receive your results.
Take a proactive approach to your heart health
A quick and easy CT Calcium Score at South Coast Radiology is a simple way to understand more about the health of your heart.
Contact us to book your scan today.