Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection
06:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.5K

Calcium Scoring for Cardiovascular Computed Tomography: How, When and Why?

John Jeffrey Carr1

  • 1Departments of Radiology, Biomedical Informatics, and Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue, Suite 300-B, Nashville, TN 37203-8281, USA.

Radiologic Clinics of North America
|November 21, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Computed tomographic coronary artery calcium scoring identifies atherosclerosis and predicts future cardiovascular disease risk. This imaging biomarker aids in preventing heart disease and premature death.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Preventive Medicine

Background:

  • Cardiovascular disease is a leading global cause of mortality.
  • Despite treatment advances for myocardial infarction, preventing ischemic heart disease is crucial.
  • Coronary atherosclerosis remains a significant risk factor for cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the computed tomography (CT) scan process for coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring.
  • To explain the quantification and interpretation of CAC scores.
  • To highlight CAC scoring as an imaging biomarker for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Main Methods:

  • Performing a non-contrast computed tomography scan of the heart.
  • Quantifying the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries.
  • Interpreting the CAC score in the context of individual risk.

Main Results:

  • The CAC score quantifies coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Higher CAC scores correlate with increased risk of cardiovascular disease and death.
  • The imaging biomarker identifies individuals at risk for premature cardiovascular events.

Conclusions:

  • Computed tomographic CAC scoring is an established method for assessing coronary atherosclerosis.
  • CAC scoring aids in risk stratification for cardiovascular disease.
  • This imaging biomarker supports enhanced prevention strategies for ischemic heart disease.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisCalcium scoreCardiacCardiovascular diseaseComputed tomographyCoronary artery calciumPrevention

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

16.1K
Application of Deep Learning-Based Medical Image Segmentation via Orbital Computed Tomography04:48

Application of Deep Learning-Based Medical Image Segmentation via Orbital Computed Tomography

Published on: November 30, 2022

3.5K

Related Concept Videos

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
488
Computed Tomography01:10

Computed Tomography

Tomography refers to imaging by sections. Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that uses computers to analyze several cross-sectional X-rays to reveal minute details about structures in the body.
The technique was invented in the 1970s and is based on the principle that as X-rays pass through the body, they are absorbed or reflected at different levels. In the technique, a patient lies on a motorized platform while a computerized axial tomography (CAT) scanner rotates...
8.3K
Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography01:27

Imaging Studies III: Computed Tomography

DefinitionComputed Tomography (CT) of the genitourinary (GU) tract is a non-invasive imaging modality that utilizes X-rays and computer processing to generate detailed cross-sectional images of the urinary system, encompassing the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and adjacent structures such as the adrenal glands.PurposeCT scans of the GU tract serve several diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, including:Diagnosis of Urinary Tract Diseases: Detects kidney stones, tumors, cysts, and congenital...
368
Introduction to z Scores01:06

Introduction to z Scores

A z score (or standardized value) is measured in units of the standard deviation. It tells you how many standard deviations the value x is above (to the right of) or below (to the left of) the mean, μ. Values of x that are larger than the mean have positive z scores, and values of x that are smaller than the mean have negative z scores. If x equals the mean, then x has a zero z score. It is important to note that the mean of the z scores is zero, and the standard deviation is one.
z scores...
11.2K
Introduction to z Scores01:05

Introduction to z Scores

A z score (or standardized value) is measured in units of the standard deviation. It indicates how many standard deviations the value x is above (to the right of) or below (to the left of) the mean, μ. Values of x that are larger than the mean have positive z scores, and values of x that are smaller than the mean have negative z scores. If x equals the mean, then x has a zero z score. It is important to note that the mean of the z scores is zero, and the standard deviation is one.
z scores...
1.3K
z Scores and Area Under the Curve01:17

z Scores and Area Under the Curve

z scores are the standardized values obtained after converting a normal distribution into a standard normal distribution. A z score is measured in units of the standard deviation. The z score tells you how many standard deviations the value x is above (to the right of) or below (to the left of) the mean, μ. Values of x that are larger than the mean have positive z scores, and values of x that are smaller than the mean have negative z scores. If x equals the mean, then x has a z score of...
19.6K