A coronary calcium scan searches for heart disease using a CT scan to find hidden plaque in our arteries, which could cause a heart attack. In this video, cardiologist Arthur Agatston, MD, explains why this scan is an important tool for heart health.
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A coronary calcium scan is one done with a CT scan. We often call it the mammogram of the heart, because in the similar a way, we're scanning for hidden disease. It actually has the same amount of radiation as a mammogram, it takes less time, it's actually less painful, there's no pain at all, it's minimal radiation and instead of finding hidden lumps, it finds hidden plaque in our arteries that if we don't do something about, they'll eventually cause a heart attack or a stroke.
Arthur S. Agatston, MD, FACC, is a preventive cardiologist, medical director of wellness and prevention at Baptist Health Medical Group and author of The South Beach Diet book series.
