What is a Calcium Score Test?
Coronary calcium scoring, also known as calcium score test, is a special type of test that looks at your heart. It’s like a heart detective, searching for tiny bits of calcium or ‘chalky spots’ in the blood vessels of the heart. These chalky spots can tell doctors if there might be any blockages forming. It’s like checking a hose for any clogs before it causes problems with the water flow. This test helps doctors figure out if someone’s at risk of heart issues and if they need to do anything to keep the heart healthy. It’s quick, easy, and a neat way to peek inside and see how your heart is doing!
By assessing your calcium score, we can evaluate your risk of developing coronary artery disease (CAD) even before symptoms appear. The test is quick, painless, and plays a crucial role in preventative heart health, helping you take proactive steps to reduce the risk of heart-related conditions.
How Does Coronary Calcium Scoring work?
Coronary calcium scoring works by using our specialised CT scanner to capture detailed images of your heart. The CT scanner rotates around your body, producing images that show any calcified plaque present in your arteries. The amount of calcium is then measured, and a “calcium score” is calculated. A higher score indicates a greater buildup of plaque and a higher risk of coronary artery disease.
Why is Calcium Scoring Important?
Early Detection of Heart Diseases
Calcium scoring helps detect early signs of coronary artery disease, allowing you to address risks before symptoms like chest pain or heart attacks develop.
Preventative Measures
By identifying calcified plaque in the arteries, the test allows your doctor to recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or treatments to prevent future heart problems.
Quick & Non-Invasive
Calcium scoring is a painless, non-invasive procedure that provides crucial information about your heart health in just minutes, with no recovery time needed.
Is a Calcium Score Test Right for Me?
A calcium score test is a great way to check your risk for heart disease before symptoms appear. It’s especially useful for people aged 45–75 who have a low to intermediate risk of heart disease over the next 10 years. The test can help you and your doctor better understand your risk and guide you on preventive steps like lifestyle changes or medication.
Your GP can advise you if the test is suitable based on your individual heart health risk.
For more info about whether a calcium score test is suitable for you, please consult this chart.
Calcium Scoring Cost
Calcium scoring tests are unable to be bulk billed, as they are not covered under Medicare. However, we aim to keep the cost of calcium scoring as affordable as possible to ensure it is accessible to the wider community.
Our calcium scoring costs $150, so for a reasonable fee you can be provided with vital information on your heart’s health.
Where we Operate our Calcium Score Tests
Our calcium scoring scans are conducted at our Thornton practice, conveniently situated within the Thornton Healthcare complex, which offers a range of medical services including pathology, obstetrics, physiotherapy, and podiatry.
We are easily accessible, just a 30-minute drive from Newcastle and 10 minutes from Maitland, with the practice offering plenty of free onsite parking. We also regularly welcome patients from Taree, Gloucester, Scone, Tea Gardens, and the Central Coast.
If you’re taking public transport, a bus stop is conveniently located right outside our building on Anderson Drive. If you’re arriving by taxi, our friendly reception team can assist with arranging one for you.
Why Book a Calcium Score Test with GXU?
Our team is passionate about cardiac imaging and provides compassionate care, ensuring you feel comfortable throughout your test.
We use the latest Siemens CT Scanner, offering high-quality images obtained with the lowest possible radiation dose.
Your scan is supervised by an onsite cardiac radiologist, cardiac trained radiographers and registered nurse, ensuring a safe and precise procedure.
Expert radiologists with subspecialty training in cardiac imaging provide quick and accurate reports, giving your doctor timely insights into your heart health.
Located in Thornton with free onsite parking, our clinic is easily accessible for patients in Maitland, Newcastle, and surrounding areas.
With over 15 years of experience in diagnostic imaging, GXU Radiology is a trusted provider of heart health services in the region.
What Our Customers Say
Book a Calcium Test for your Heart Today
To request an appointment you can use the booking system on our website or over the phone. For more urgent appointments or to speak to one of our team, please get in direct contact with the clinic on 02 4999 6499.
Calcium scoring, as well as CT Coronary Angiograms, require special preparation which we will inform you of at the time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a calcium score test covered by Medicare?
No, a calcium score test is unable to be bulk-billed, as it is not covered under Medicare. Our calcium scoring costs $100.
Do you have to fast before a calcium score test?
Fasting is not required before a calcium score test. You can eat and drink as normal, but you will need to avoid caffeine, as it can affect heart rate. Our team will inform you of any specific instructions before your appointment.
How often should you have a calcium score test?
The frequency depends on your individual risk factors. Please ask your GP or consult our chart to see if a calcium score test is right for you.
How long does a calcium score test take?
A calcium score test typically takes about 10-15 minutes. The procedure itself is quick and painless, with minimal preparation and no recovery time needed afterward. Results are often available within a couple of days.
Are calcium score tests accurate?
Yes, calcium score tests are highly accurate at detecting calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Our advanced imaging technology ensures precise results, giving you and your healthcare team reliable information to assess your heart disease risk.