It is a well-known fact that calcium is good for your bones.

But it can also say a lot about your heart health, too.

Calcium, transported through the bloodstream, can buildup, harden and disrupt your body’s normal processes. Calcifications can form in many places throughout your body, including arteries and heart valves, which can be a sign of heart disease. 

“Calcified plaque in the coronary arteries indicates a higher risk for heart attack and other cardiovascular events known to cause disability or death,” said Archbold Memorial Hospital cardiologist Dr. Bob Miles. 

That’s why experts often recommend coronary calcium screening scans to look for calcium buildup in the heart arteries. 

Using a relatively low radiation computed tomography (CT) scan, also referred to as a CT scan, doctors can take a look at arteries to check for calcifications, which can help determine the future risk for heart disease or heart attack. 

“A coronary calcium score is most helpful for patients without known coronary disease that might be at risk for a heart attack and who have not had a calcium score in the last five years,” said Dr. Miles. “Common factors that can increase a person’s risk for heart disease include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity and high cholesterol. If you are at risk for heart disease, you should consider having a coronary calcium score to further define your actual risk. If your risk is significant, we have many effective ways to modify risk for dangerous heart events.  Calcium scoring is the only true screening test for the most deadly disease in the world.”

Throughout February, Archbold will offer coronary calcium screening scans for a reduced rate of $90. A physician order is not required, and scans will be performed by appointment only. 

To schedule an appointment for a Calcium Screening Scan, call (229) 228-2084.