Here we talk about a commonly performed test to assess future cardiovascular risk called a CT Calcium Scan. This provides a validated 'score' that reflects the amount of calcium that is detected within the wall of the heart arteries. Calcium is a mineral that is stored in our bones and teeth. Over time, this can also form within fatty plaque deposits in the walls of the arteries of the heart.
The calcium score, among all the other cardiovascular risk factors, can help provide greater insights into long term treatment strategies to help reduce risk. Here Professor Barlis discusses what the test is, how it is performed and what information it may provide when looking at heart health.