Preparing for your coronary calcium score

Because this scan uses a small dose of radiation, a clinician confirms it's right for you before any referral is issued.

1. Complete your online assessment. We'll ask you to work through the Australian Heart Foundation's cardiovascular risk calculator so we understand your risk profile.
2. Have your pre-screen consult. An i-screen clinician reviews your risk with you, confirms the scan is appropriate, and talks through the risks and limitations. Your referral is only issued once this is done.
3. We email your referral along with instructions for your CT scan.
4. Book your scan at a local I-MED Radiology clinic. I-MED runs one of Australia's largest clinic networks, so you can choose a location that suits you.
5. Get your results. Your scan is reviewed by a qualified medical professional and appears in your secure i-screen dashboard with a clear, easy-to-understand explanation.

Is this scan right for you? A calcium score is generally most useful for people aged 50+ at moderate cardiovascular risk. It's usually not recommended if you have no major risk factors, if you already have symptoms (other tests suit you better), or if you're under 50 without a strong family history. Your pre-screen consult is there to check it's appropriate for you.

There's very little to do — but a steady, relaxed heart rate gives the clearest images.

• On the day, avoid caffeine and smoking. Coffee, tea, energy drinks and nicotine lift your heart rate, which can blur the scan — skip them on the day, and ideally for a few hours before.
• Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise, and let the team know what you take.
• No fasting and no injection — eat and drink normally.
• Wear comfortable, loose clothing. You'll change into a gown, so it helps to leave metal jewellery at home; you may be asked to remove an underwire bra.
• Bring your i-screen referral and your Medicare card to the clinic.
• Tell the radiographer if you have a pacemaker or any implanted cardiac device.

Not during pregnancy. This scan uses X-rays, so it shouldn't be done if you are pregnant or trying to conceive. Please tell the team beforehand if there's any chance you could be pregnant.

The whole visit takes about 10–15 minutes; the scan itself is over in seconds.

1. The radiographer shows you to a change room and gives you a gown.
2. Up to four small electrode patches are placed on your chest and linked to an ECG, so the scan can sync to your heartbeat.
3. You lie on the CT table with your arms above your head and follow simple breathing instructions — usually a short breath-hold while the images are taken.
4. That's it — no injections, no after-effects. You can drive and return to normal activity straight away.

Your scan is reviewed by a qualified medical professional and your calcium score appears in your secure i-screen dashboard with a clear explanation. It's also sent to your referring clinician.

What the score means. Your calcium (Agatston) score reflects how much calcified plaque is in your coronary arteries, compared with others your age and sex. Zero means none was detected (lowest risk); higher numbers mean more plaque and higher risk. It's one important part of your risk picture — not the whole story — so talk it through with your doctor.

Incidental findings. Occasionally a heart scan picks up something unrelated to your coronary arteries that's worth a closer look. If that happens, we'll flag it so you and your doctor can follow up.

This test isn't for emergencies. A calcium score is a screening test for people without symptoms. If you have chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting or other urgent symptoms now, don't wait — call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department.

The scan uses a low dose of radiation — about the same as a year of natural background radiation. Questions before your scan? Email us at info@i-screen.com.au and the team will be glad to help.

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i-screen provides wellness and educational services only and does not diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional regarding your health.