Important information on texting our practice! The text option is NOT monitored on Saturday/Sunday.
Please be sure to include your Date of Birth, Last Name, and if you are a New or Returning patient in your text message.
If this is an emergency, please do NOT send by text. Thank you!
Reminder: Online appointment requests are not confirmed bookings. We’ll contact you to confirm your time and provider. Thank you!
Calcium scoring with a computed tomography (CT) scan can provide important insight into a person’s risk of heart attack and stroke. This noninvasive test could prevent unexpected cardiac events and the need for unnecessary cardiac procedures.
Chinatown Cardiology, with four New York City locations, offers calcium scoring assessments and coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) scans in-office for adults with high cholesterol, diabetes, or other risk factors for heart disease.
Our experienced cardiologists use the latest technology to evaluate your risk factors for cardiac events so you can make necessary changes to your lifestyle and diet.
A cardiac CT takes X-ray images of your heart while you lie down. The images help us identify calcium plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in the coronary arteries. Calcified plaque narrows the arteries and interferes with blood flow from the heart to the rest of the body.
Calcium shows up as white spots on the images. Your cardiologist calculates your calcium score based on the extent of plaque in the arteries.
A cardiac CT scan is noninvasive. You lie on a table that slides into a scanner machine. We place electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rate and other cardiac activity.
You might need an intravenous (IV) line to deliver a contrast dye that provides clear images of your arteries and heart.
After your CT scan, which takes about 15 minutes, your cardiologist interprets your results and discusses your calcium score. You can return to your usual activities without limitations.
Calcium scoring with a CT scan benefits people ages 40-70 with risk factors for heart disease but no symptoms. Heart disease risk factors include:
We may also recommend a cardiac CT scan at a younger age if you have a family history of high cholesterol or underlying medical conditions that might compromise your cardiovascular health.
A positive calcium score indicates evidence of calcium in your coronary arteries, meaning you have coronary artery disease (CAD).
Our technology also assesses your risk of a cardiac event based on how much calcium is in your coronary arteries. The higher the score, the higher your risk of heart attack or stroke.
Your cardiologist uses your calcium score and other factors, including weight, genetics, and lifestyle, to determine your risk of cardiac-related events. Our team can recommend steps to reduce that risk.
Call the Chinatown Cardiology office near you today to learn more about the benefits of calcium scoring with a CT scan. You can also request an appointment online.
