Screening for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries helps detect and prevent cardiovascular disease.

Screening for Coronary Artery Disease Risk Before Acute Myocardial Infarction

Coronary artery disease (Coronary artery disease) is one of the leading causes of death in Thai people. It is caused by the degeneration of the coronary arteries (Atherosclerosis of Coronary Artery) which results from the chronic accumulation of fatty plaques in the walls of the coronary arteries.

Factors that cause coronary artery degeneration include aging, diabetes, high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, smoking, abdominal obesity, or genetics. These factors cause chronic inflammation of the coronary arteries and lead to the accumulation of calcium or calcification on the arteries, resulting in loss of arterial elasticity and narrowing of the coronary arteries.

Detection of Coronary Artery Calcification by Computed Tomography

CT Coronary Artery Calcium Scan is a reliable test to detect coronary artery stenosis without the need for contrast injection. The test takes approximately 5–10 minutes. It measures the amount of calcium or calcification in the coronary arteries using high-speed computed tomography and evaluates the calcium amount in a Calcium Score. The higher the calcium score, the greater the risk of ischemic heart disease or future heart attack.

Interpretation

• • Score 0 No calcium or calcification detected in the coronary arteries.
    The risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack is very low.
  • Score 1–99 There is a small amount of calcium or calcification in the coronary arteries.
    The risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack is low.
  • Score 100–399 There is a moderate amount of calcium or calcification in the coronary arteries.
    The risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack is moderate.
  • Score 400 and above There is a large amount of calcium or calcification in the coronary arteries.
    The risk of ischemic heart disease or heart attack is high.

Who Should Get a CT Calcium Score Test?

This test is suitable for those who want to assess their risk of coronary artery disease early and want to screen for risk before symptoms occur to enable behavior modification and proper treatment planning, especially for asymptomatic individuals with risk factors such as

• • Individuals aged 40 years and older (both men and women)
  • Those with a family history of heart disease
  • Those with high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure
  • Diabetic patients
  • Smokers or those regularly exposed to cigarette smoke
  • Overweight or abdominally obese individuals
  • Those who occasionally experience chest tightness (even if other tests are normal)

How is the Test Performed?

The CT Calcium Score test is convenient and quick, taking approximately 5–10 minutes only. The procedure is as follows:

1. 1. Lie flat on the CT Scan bed
   2. The CT Scan machine will capture high-resolution images
   3. No contrast injection, painless, no recovery time needed after the test
   4. After the test, the doctor will inform you of the Calcium Score results

Advantages of CT Calcium Score Test

• • Fast takes only a few minutes
  • Highly accurate can detect calcification at an early stage
  • Painless no contrast injection needed
  • Helps assess risk in advance before acute myocardial infarction occurs
  • Helps determine treatment plans such as adjusting statin medication, controlling cholesterol, and planning exercise routines

Limitations

• • Not to be performed on pregnant women due to radiation exposure
  • Cannot be used to confirm arterial stenosis
  • Cannot detect “soft” plaques

Preparation before the test No need to fast or avoid drinking water but caffeine-containing drinks should be avoided for 2–4 hours before the test. Wear clothing without metal. If pregnant or suspect pregnancy, always inform the doctor beforehand. If you have certain heart diseases, consult your doctor before the test.

CT Calcium Scan is an easy, fast, accurate, and painless heart disease screening test suitable for those with risk factors and those who want preventive heart health assessment. Early-stage testing helps reduce the chance of acute myocardial infarction and allows doctors to plan personalized treatment appropriately.

At the Heart Center, Phyathai Hospital 2 we are ready to care for you with a team of cardiology specialists, high-speed CT technology, and international standard diagnostic and treatment services, covering screening, diagnosis, and treatment with modern cardiac technology, including 24-hour emergency heart care services. Because your heart…is the heart of our care

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kulyos Jongpipatvanich

Cardiologist and Specialist in Cardiac Catheterization and Angioplasty

Phyathai Hospital 2