Coronary calcium scan

Get a better understanding of your heart attack risk with a coronary calcium scan at Spectrum Health. When you have more information about your risk, you can make better decisions about your care—so you can stay as healthy as possible.

A coronary calcium scan is a type of computed tomography (CT) test. It detects and measures calcium buildup on the walls of your coronary arteries, which supply blood to your heart. You might also hear this test called a cardiac CT, a cardiac scan or a heart scan.

Calcium buildup in the arteries of your heart is an early sign of coronary artery disease (CAD)—the most common type of heart disease. CAD is the most common cause of heart attack.

You may benefit from a coronary calcium screening at Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals Fred & Lena Meijer Heart Center in Grand Rapids if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as: 

• Age (45 or older for men, 55 or older for women) 
• Diabetes (type 1 or type 2) 
• Family history of heart disease 
• High blood pressure (hypertension) 
• High cholesterol 
• History of smoking 
• Obesity

During your cardiac CT scan, you’ll lie on your back on a table. The imaging technologist attaches electrodes (small, sticky discs) to your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. Then you’ll slide into the center of a donut-shaped scanner. The scanner slowly rotates and takes pictures.

Your test results will be available within 24 to 48 hours. We’ll share your results with your provider and add them to your Spectrum Health MyChart account. Talk to your provider about your results and next steps.

Contact your health insurance company to learn whether your plan covers a coronary calcium scan. If the test isn’t covered, expect to pay about [price].