Dr Lawrence Dembo on Calcium Score and CTCA

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.

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