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Calcium scoring is an imaging test that can assess your risk for a heart attack.
In this interview, Dr. Charles White, director of thoracic imaging at the University of Maryland Medical Center, explains that during calcium scoring, a CT scanner is used to take multiple pictures of blood vessels supplying blood to the heart. The goal is to see if there is any calcium build-up, which could be an early sign of heart disease. During the test, patients have electronic leads placed on their chests to monitor their heart rhythm. People who are good candidates for this test include those who have an increased risk of heart disease because of family history, smoking, diabetes or high blood pressure. Most people get the test before they have symptoms.
In this interview with Sharon Boston, Dr. White discusses some things people can do if the calcium scoring indicates they have a higher risk of heart disease. Dr. White is also professor of diagnostic radiology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
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