CT Coronary Calcium Score
Non-invasive heart scan to detect early coronary artery disease — quick, low-radiation CT calcium scoring in Sydney.
What is It?
A CT Coronary Calcium Score is a quick, non-invasive scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries — the blood vessels that supply the heart. The presence and quantity of calcium is a powerful, scientifically validated marker of coronary artery disease and future heart attack risk.
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists use coronary calcium scoring as a key tool in preventive cardiology, helping identify heart disease before symptoms develop. The scan uses a very low dose of radiation and requires no injections or contrast dye.
Why is It Performed?
At One Heart Centre, our cardiologists may recommend a Coronary Calcium Score to:
- Assess your risk of coronary artery disease before symptoms occur
- Detect early, silent plaque build-up in the coronary arteries
- Guide decisions about cholesterol-lowering and preventive therapies
- Provide reassurance in patients with low-risk symptoms
- Personalise long-term cardiovascular prevention strategies
This test is particularly valuable for individuals with risk factors such as family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of smoking.
What Does the Test Involve?
You will lie comfortably on the CT scanner bed while high-resolution images of your heart are taken. Small adhesive ECG leads are placed on your chest to synchronise the images with your heartbeat.
The scan itself takes only a few minutes and is completely painless. You will be asked to briefly hold your breath while the images are acquired. No needles or contrast dye are required, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterwards.
What are the Benefits?
- Early detection of coronary artery disease, even before symptoms appear
- Personalised assessment of your individual heart attack risk
- Evidence-based guidance for preventive treatment decisions
- Quick, simple and completely non-invasive
- No injections and minimal radiation exposure