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An electron beam computed tomography (CT) scan is a new test that can be used to find calcium buildup in the lining of arteries.
An electron beam CT scan is much faster than a standard CT scan. An electron beam CT scan can make an image in a fraction of a second and can take a clear picture of an artery even while the heart is beating. A standard CT scan is not fast enough to take pictures of a pumping heart. In standard CT, several pictures, or "slices," of the heart are taken from different angles. These pictures are then put on a computer to create a three-dimensional view of the heart.
This test is used to find calcium buildup in heart arteries, which can increase your risk for coronary artery disease (CAD). It may be used as a tool to find hardening of the arteries in people who have a high chance of developing atherosclerosis.
Fat and calcium buildup may be seen in the arteries during an electron beam CT scan. Treatment for atherosclerosis may be needed.
If an electron beam CT scan does not show calcium buildup in the arteries, then the chances of having CAD are low.1 Most people who have a negative angiogram test result also have a negative electron beam CT scan test result.1
A high calcium score on an electron beam CT scan shows a higher chance of having cardiovascular problems within the next 2 to 5 years, especially when a person also has multiple risk factors for developing coronary artery disease.1 However, the scan does have a fairly high rate of false-positive results.
An electron beam CT scan is a simple, noninvasive test that can find how much calcium buildup is in the heart arteries.
An electron beam CT scan is more expensive than other tests and may not be widely available. Because this test is still new, some insurance companies will not pay for it.
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Citations
| Author | Ellie Rodgers |
| Editor | Geri Metzger |
| Associate Editor | Lila Havens |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Robert A. Kloner, MD, PhD - Cardiology |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Ruth Schneider, MPH, RD - Diet and Nutrition |
| Last Updated | May 28, 2004 |
| To | back to the top |
| Electron beam computed tomography (CT) scan for coronary artery disease | Previous | Next |
| Last updated: May 28, 2004 |
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