Heart disease continues to be a leading cause of illness and death in the United States, but catching it early can make a real difference. Since 2019, Butler County Health has offered the coronary calcium scan, a noninvasive test that can help identify heart disease risk before symptoms appear. Also called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) test or heart CT calcium scan, this test measures calcium-containing plaque in the coronary arteries which is an early sign of coronary artery disease.
“We’re so grateful to be able to offer this service to our community,” says Julie Schultz, Radiology Director. “Over the years, we’ve heard wonderful stories from patients and their loved ones who were able to make lifestyle changes or receive interventions before a heart attack occurred. While this isn’t a diagnostic test, it’s a great screening tool that can provide peace of mind.”
Why a Calcium Scan Matters
Calcium deposits in the arteries can narrow or block blood flow, increasing the risk of heart attack or stroke. The scan produces a calcium score, or Agatston score, which helps your healthcare team understand your risk.
On the radiology report, coronary calcifications are marked as signs of coronary atherosclerosis. The more calcifications detected, the higher the likelihood of obstructive coronary disease. Keep in mind, the scan only detects calcified plaque, not non-calcified or “soft” plaque, so the total plaque burden may be underestimated. The calcium score estimates your chance of a cardiac event in the next 2–5 years and should be reviewed alongside other risk factors, like high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking history, family history, and cholesterol levels.
Calcium Score Guide:
0: No evidence of coronary artery disease
1–10: Normal
11–100: Low probability
101–400: Intermediate probability
Over 400: High probability
Who Should Consider a Scan
This test is best for adults who have not had a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease but have one or more risk factors, such as:
- High cholesterol or LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Low HDL (“good”) cholesterol
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Smoking or past smoking
- Family history of premature coronary artery disease
- History of blocked arteries in the legs or stroke
Since this scan isn’t for everyone, it’s important to discuss your personal risk factors with your doctor before scheduling.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Preparation: Avoid caffeine and smoking for four hours before the test, and don’t apply powder or lotion to your chest.
Arrival: Register at the front desk and pay for the procedure ($165 payable to BCH; $50 for the radiologist interpretation payable to Columbus Community Hospital). Most insurance plans do not cover this test. If you have a provider in David City, you may self-refer; otherwise, a doctor’s order is required. Self-referrals are not submitted to insurance.
During the Scan: You may need to change into a hospital gown. EKG electrodes are placed on your chest and will monitor your heart rate. The CT table moves in small increments while images are taken. You’ll be asked to hold your breath for 20–30 seconds and stay perfectly still. The actual scan only takes about 20–30 seconds, with the full appointment lasting 10–15 minutes.
After the Scan: The radiologist reviews your images and sends the results to your doctor, who will discuss them with you and decide if any follow-up steps are needed.
A coronary calcium scan gives you a snapshot of your heart’s health before symptoms appear. For adults with risk factors or a family history of heart disease, it’s a valuable tool to guide prevention, lifestyle changes, and early interventions.