Calcium score and CTCA – which test when?
By Dr Lawrence Dembo, Cardiologist, Murdoch
Abstract
The coronary calcium score is a powerful risk factor of a future cardiovascular event. Why? Because calcium is direct, visible evidence of coronary artery disease, while the standard risk factors are only risks of atherosclerosis.
Key messages
- Calcium score is a powerful risk prediction tool
- Coronary CT (CTCA) is for diagnosis of equivocal symptoms
- For symptoms, request CTCA not calcium score.
