What are some common uses of the procedure?

The goal of cardiac CT scan for calcium scoring is to determine if CAD is present and to what extent, even if there are no symptoms. It is a screening study that may be recommended by a physician for patients with risk factors for CAD but no clinical symptoms.

The major risk factors for CAD are:

• high blood cholesterol levels
• family history of heart attacks
• diabetes
• high blood pressure
• cigarette smoking
• overweight or obese
• physical inactivity