Heart disease can sometimes develop without obvious symptoms, particularly in its early stages. That’s why Heart Week in May is an important reminder to think about your heart health, especially if you have a family history of heart disease.
For some patients, doctors may recommend coronary artery calcium scoring, a simple CT scan that can provide additional information about cardiovascular risk.
Why Family History Matters
A family history of heart disease can increase your risk, particularly if close relatives have experienced heart attacks at a younger age, coronary artery disease, or high cholesterol.
While lifestyle factors play an important role, genetics can also influence how heart disease develops. This is why your GP may recommend further assessment, even if you feel well.
What Is Calcium Scoring
A coronary artery calcium score is a specialised low-dose CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries.
Calcium in the arteries can be a marker of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up and may narrow the arteries over time.
The scan produces a calcium score, which your doctor uses alongside other risk factors to better understand your cardiovascular risk.
Who Might Be Referred for Calcium Scoring
Your doctor may consider calcium scoring if you have a family history of heart disease, have borderline or intermediate cardiovascular risk, are unsure about starting preventive treatment, or have risk factors such as high cholesterol, smoking history, or high blood pressure.
Calcium scoring is generally used in asymptomatic patients rather than those with active chest pain, where other tests may be more appropriate.
What Does the Calcium Score Mean
The calcium score is a numerical result that reflects the amount of calcium detected in your coronary arteries.
A low or zero score may indicate a lower likelihood of significant plaque, while a higher score may suggest an increased level of coronary artery calcification.
Your GP or specialist will interpret this result in the context of your overall health, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Why Calcium Scoring Can Be Helpful
Calcium scoring can support clinical decision-making by providing additional information beyond standard risk assessments, helping guide discussions around lifestyle changes, and supporting decisions about preventive treatment where appropriate.
What to Expect During the Scan
A calcium scoring scan is quick, non-invasive, performed without contrast injection, and is a low-dose CT examination.
You will lie on the scanning table while images of your heart are taken. Results are then sent to your referring doctor.
Heart Week: A Good Time to Check In
Heart Week is a valuable opportunity to reflect on your personal and family health history.
If you know of heart disease in your family, or if you have risk factors, it may be worth discussing with your GP whether further assessment is appropriate.
Calcium Scoring at Life Medical Imaging
Life Medical Imaging provides calcium scoring CT scans as part of our cardiac imaging services on the Central Coast.
We support patients and referring doctors with access to modern CT imaging technology, local community-based care, and clear communication and reporting.
All imaging is performed following referral and when clinically appropriate.
When to Speak to Your Doctor
You should consider discussing heart health with your GP if you have a family history of heart disease, are unsure of your cardiovascular risk, or have risk factors such as high cholesterol or blood pressure.
Your doctor can assess your individual situation and determine whether calcium scoring or other investigations may be helpful.
Supporting Heart Health in the Community
As an independently owned and community-focused imaging provider, Life Medical Imaging is committed to supporting early assessment pathways and accessible diagnostic imaging.
If you have a referral or would like more information:
Phone: 4326 7000
Website: www.lifeimaging.com.au