Cardiac Services

Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring

The Miriam Hospital and Rhode Island Hospital are the only hospitals in southeastern New England to offer CAC scoring for patients whomay have
coronary artery disease. CAC scoring is a screening technique that uses CT scans to detect and quantify the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries.
The CAC score is a marker of atherosclerotic disease burden and can identify patients who are at greater risk for future heart problems. Higher calcium scores, like high cholesterol, indicate a higher risk for heart attack and other adverse events. Physicians can use these results to help design an appropriate treatment strategy, including combination of lifestyle modification and medication.

A CAC study is performed over the course of a single breath-hold and requires no IV injections.

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