Calcium build-up or calcifications are a sign of atherosclerosis or ischemic heart disease.

A coronary calcium scan can be performed in a medical imaging facility or in a hospital. The test does not use contrast dye and takes about 10 to 15 minutes. A coronary calcium scan uses a special scanner such as an electron beam CT or a multidetector CT (MDCT) machine. An MDCT machine is a much faster CT scanner that produces high-quality images of the beating heart. A coronary calcium scan will determine an Agatston score that reflects the amount of calcium found in your coronary arteries. A score of zero is normal. In general, the higher your score, the more likely you are to develop heart disease. If your score is high, your doctor may recommend more tests.

A coronary calcium scan has few risks. There is a small risk of cancer, especially in people under the age of 40. However, the amount of radiation from one test is comparable to the amount of radiation that you are naturally exposed to for more than a year. Discuss with your doctor and the technicians conducting the test whether you are or might be pregnant. If the test is not urgent, you may have to wait until after your pregnancy to take the test. If it's urgent, the technicians will take extra steps during this test to protect your baby.