A calcium score test, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, uses a specialized computed tomography (CT) scan to evaluate heart health. This non-invasive imaging procedure measures the amount of calcified plaque present within the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The presence of calcium deposits indicates atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up and hardens arteries. By quantifying this calcification, the test helps assess an individual’s risk of developing coronary artery disease and future cardiovascular events like heart attacks. The resulting calcium score provides valuable insight for healthcare providers to guide preventive strategies and treatment decisions.
Water Intake Before Your Test
Drinking plain water before a calcium score test is generally permissible. Many facilities advise patients to drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to the examination. However, the water must be plain, as other beverages containing caffeine, sugar, or additives are restricted.
Some guidelines suggest avoiding all food and drink, including water, for about four hours before the test. This instruction aims to stabilize heart rate and optimize image clarity, though it is not universally applied to plain water. Given these variations, confirm specific preparation instructions directly with your healthcare provider or the imaging center.
Other Important Preparations
Beyond water intake, several other preparations contribute to an accurate calcium score test. Healthcare providers instruct patients to avoid food for at least four hours before the scan to help stabilize heart rate. This brief fasting period is consistently recommended by most imaging centers.
Caffeine consumption, including coffee, tea, energy drinks, and chocolate, is prohibited for at least four hours prior to the test. Similarly, smoking and tobacco products should be avoided for a similar timeframe. Strenuous exercise is also restricted for at least four hours before the appointment.
Patients should continue taking any prescribed medications unless specifically advised otherwise by their doctor. Inform the healthcare team about all current medications and any allergies. For the scan, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing is advisable, and all metal objects, such as jewelry, eyeglasses, and underwire bras, must be removed as they can interfere with image quality.
Reasons for Test Preparation
Preparation steps for a calcium score test ensure the accuracy and clarity of the scan results. The primary goal is to achieve a stable, low heart rate during the imaging process. Caffeine, nicotine, and strenuous exercise are stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially leading to motion artifacts in the CT images.
A high or irregular heart rate can cause blurring or streaking in the scan, making it difficult for the radiologist to detect and measure calcified plaque. These motion artifacts could result in an inaccurate calcium score, either overestimating or underestimating the true extent of coronary artery calcification. A clear image is necessary for a reliable assessment of heart disease risk.
Fasting from food for a few hours before the test also contributes to heart rate stability and reduces the likelihood of discomfort during the scan. Removing all metal objects, such as jewelry and eyeglasses, is necessary because metal can interfere with the CT scanner’s X-rays, creating distortions that obscure the heart and surrounding structures. Following these guidelines ensures high-quality images and accurate information for your heart health assessment.