Coronary Calcium Scan
Calcium. Builder of bones. Titan of teeth. The mightiest of minerals. It’s a good thing, as wholesome homemaker Martha Stewart would say. Or is it? If it’s lining the walls of your arteries, simply stated, calcium can kill!
A coronary calcium scan is a type of cardiac CT developed by Dr. Arthur Agatston—the famed creator of the “South Beach Diet”— to identify calcifications in coronary artery walls.
How does calcium negatively impact the heart?
Calcium combines with cholesterol in blood vessel walls to form the characteristic plaque of atherosclerosis, impeding blood flow to and from your heart. This process is called calcification. Since calcification directly inhibits blood flow, it can lead to coronary artery disease.
Calcium deposits may also cause heart valve problems; calcium buildup causes the valves to narrow, which drastically reduces blood flow.
Because of the dangers posed by calcification, noted Los Angeles cardiologist Dr. Arash Bereliani encourages his patients to have a coronary calcium scan to evaluate cardiovascular function.
Does this mean I should stop taking calcium supplements or drinking milk?
No. There have been no conclusive scientific findings correlating artery calcification to dietary calcium intake. Regular calcium intake to strengthen bones seems to have little or no effect on calcium deposits in artery walls. However, properly balancing calcium with other nutritional supplements – particularly magnesium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K2 – helps to ensure that the calcium you eat gets channeled toward building bone rather than blocking arteries.
What conditions can a coronary calcium scan diagnose?
Clean coronary arteries are vital for healthy cardiovascular function. The perspective offered by the scan can help identify early stages of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease, as well as heart valve problems.
How is a coronary calcium scan performed?
The process is simple, non-invasive, and quick. Utilizing the cutting-edge technology of the 64-Slice CT machine, the scan takes less than ten minutes.
What happens next?
Dr. Bereliani will carefully review and interpret the results of your coronary calcium scan. High calcium scores translate to greater risk. It is also helpful to get other confirmatory diagnostic tests, such as our Cardiac Risk Assessment blood panel. Based on the results of your tests, Dr. Bereliani can arrive at a definitive diagnosis. He will then formulate a custom-tailored treatment plan that may include medications and/or minimally invasive surgery. He also may recommend vitamin supplements known to be helpful for the condition.
How do I find out if a coronary calcium scan might be appropriate for me?
Call the Beverly Hills Institute for Preventive Medicine and Cardiology at 310-550-8000 or click here to make an appointment. Our friendly staff will be glad to help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Bereliani, and to answer any questions you might have. We are conveniently located in the heart of Beverly Hills. If you live in greater Los Angeles, we are just a short drive away.