Calcium Scoring Heart Test: Measuring Plaque to Prevent Heart Disease

Introduction

Your heart works quietly every second of the day. But while you go about your life, calcium can slowly build up inside your arteries, narrowing the pathways that keep blood flowing. You might feel perfectly fine—until one day you’re not.

The calcium scoring heart test is designed to catch those hidden changes before they become a crisis. At Life Imaging Fla, we use quick, painless low dose CT scans in Miami, Orlando, Jupiter, and Deerfield Beach to measure plaque levels and give you a clear picture of your heart health long before symptoms appear.

Why Calcium Matters

Plaque in the coronary arteries is made of fat, cholesterol, and calcium. Over time it can harden, restricting blood flow and raising the risk of heart attack or stroke. Because this process happens slowly and silently, many people don’t know they’re at risk until an emergency occurs.

A calcium scoring heart test changes that story. By identifying and quantifying calcium deposits, it gives you and your doctor an early warning system—and a chance to protect your heart before trouble starts.

How the Test Works

A calcium scoring test is simple and non-invasive:

1. Easy Prep – Wear comfortable clothing; no fasting or injections required.

2. Quick Scan – You’ll lie on a padded table while a CT scanner takes detailed images of your heart in just a few minutes.

3. Precise Score – A board-certified radiologist measures the amount of calcium and assigns a “score” showing your risk level.

The entire visit usually takes about 20–30 minutes, and you can drive yourself home right after.

Understanding Your Score

Your calcium score is a number that reflects the total amount of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries.

• 0 – No detectable plaque; low risk.

• 1–99 – Mild plaque; early attention recommended.

• 100–399 – Moderate plaque; higher risk, often calling for lifestyle changes and possible medication.

• 400+ – Significant plaque; strong risk for heart disease requiring close medical follow-up.

Your doctor will use this information to create a plan tailored to your needs—whether that’s adjusting diet, adding exercise, or considering treatment.

Who Should Consider a Calcium Scoring Heart Test

This scan is especially valuable if you:

• Are 40 or older and want a baseline assessment

• Have a family history of heart disease or stroke

• Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

• Are a current or former smoker

• Carry extra weight or live a sedentary lifestyle

Even if you feel perfectly healthy, the test can uncover silent risks and guide smarter choices.

Benefits Beyond Early Detection

• Peace of Mind – Knowing your calcium score removes the guesswork about heart disease risk.

• Actionable Insight – Results help your doctor recommend lifestyle changes or medications that make a real difference.

• Quick and Comfortable – No needles, no sedation, no downtime.

• Low Radiation – We use modern low dose CT scan technology for safety and clarity.

A Patient Story

A 55-year-old Miami resident scheduled a calcium scoring test after his brother suffered a sudden heart attack. He felt fine, but his scan revealed a moderate calcium score. With that knowledge, he and his doctor started cholesterol-lowering medication and a new exercise plan. A year later, his follow-up showed no new plaque—and he credits the test with giving him the chance to stay healthy for his family.

Locations Across Florida

You can schedule a calcium scoring heart test at any of our four Life Imaging centers:

• Miami

• Orlando

• Jupiter

• Deerfield Beach

All locations provide fast CT scan appointments, same-day imaging when available, and a calm, patient-focused atmosphere.

Conclusion

Heart disease often develops in silence, but a calcium scoring heart test lets you see the warning signs early. With a quick, low-radiation scan and a simple score, you gain valuable insight into your heart’s health and the steps you can take to protect it.

At Life Imaging Fla, we make it easy to put your heart first—because prevention is always the best medicine.