CT Coronary Calcium Scan
Calcification in the coronary arteries is the earliest indicator of coronary artery disease. At Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a new high-speed, multi-slice CT scanner allows our physicians to perform a 10 minute test to determine your calcium score. Your calcium score indicates the level of calcium deposits in your arteries. After taking into account your age, gender and cardiac risk factors, your calcium score is a strong measure of your risk for coronary artery disease.
Under the leadership of Daniel Berman, MD, Director of Cardiac Imaging and Nuclear Cardiology, physicians, nurses, and technologists at the S. Mark Taper Foundation Imaging Center use this technology to obtain quick and painless high-quality pictures without an injection. Our team is highly experienced in this procedure, and our physicians have all received expert training in the interpretation of this test.
Who Should Take This Test:
- Women between the ages of 40 and 70.
- Men between the ages of 35 and 65.
- This is particularly true if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol level
- High blood pressure
- Smoking
- Obesity
- Diabetes
Before Arriving for Your Procedure
Do not eat 4 hours prior to your procedure. You may drink water and take prescribed medications, as necessary.
Please leave your jewelry and valuables at home.
Please arrive 20 minutes before your scheduled exam to allow time for registration.
Although we do not anticipate any delay in your scheduled appointment, we recommend that you bring a book, magazine, or music player to help pass the time while you are waiting.
After Arriving
You will complete a simple, one-page cardiac questionnaire prior to your exam.
Your blood pressure, height and weight will be recorded.
A blood sample will be taken to determine your cholesterol and glucose levels (at no additional cost to you).
You do not need to undress for this procedure.
During Your Exam
The technologist will explain your procedure and answer any questions you may have.
You will be asked to lie flat on your back. Your arms will be positioned above your head.
Three monitoring wires will be placed on your chest to synchronize the scan with your heart motion.
You will be asked to hold still and to briefly hold your breath.
The images will be taken as you are moved through the scanner.
The technologist will always be able to see and hear you during your procedure.
The scan is painless and will take approximately 10 minutes.
After Your Procedure
A study of your pictures will be made by one of our world-renowned imaging cardiologists and the results sent to you and your physician, usually within 48 hours.
The final report will contain findings from your medical history, your cholesterol level and results of the EBCT scan. These results will determine your potential of having early or significant coronary artery disease, as well as your risk for cardiac events.
Payment
Payment in full is due at the time of your appointment.
Payment can be made in cash, by check or by most major credit cards.
Most insurance carriers do not cover this test.
Parking Information
Valet parking is available in front of the Imaging center from 7:30am-5:00pm.
For self parking, please enter parking lot P4, located at the corner of San Vicente Blvd. and 3rd Street. The entrance is on San Vicente Blvd.
If you are arriving after 5:00pm, please park in parking lot P1, located off of George Burns Rd. between Beverly Blvd. and Alden Dr. The entrance is off of George Burns Rd.
Partially validated parking at a cost of $4.00 is provided to our imaging patients for valet and self parking in the lots mentioned above.
Please Note: We do not validate for parking lots in the Medical Office Towers located at 8631 and 8635 W. 3rd St.
