Dr Tan jian jing
Experience a consistent standard of
cardiovascular care.
Understanding the state of your heart arteries is crucial in preventing and managing cardiovascular disease. At The Cardio Clinic, Dr. Tan Jian Jing offers advanced imaging services, including CT calcium score and CT coronary angiography.
Two different scans, two different questions
A CT calcium score and a CT coronary angiogram both use computed tomography, but they answer different questions.
The calcium score is a quick scan without contrast dye that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. Calcium accumulates in plaque over years, so the score acts as a marker of how much atherosclerosis has developed. A score of zero indicates no detectable calcified plaque, which is reassuring but does not exclude early non-calcified plaque.
A CT coronary angiogram uses an intravenous contrast agent to show the artery lumen itself, revealing narrowing as well as plaque that has not yet calcified. It answers whether the arteries are narrowed and by roughly how much.
How the scans are done
You lie on a table that passes through the scanner while the images are acquired, typically within a few seconds and often during a breath-hold. Electrodes track the heart rhythm so images can be timed to the cardiac cycle.
For a CT coronary angiogram, medication is often given beforehand to slow and steady the heart rate, because a slower rate produces sharper images. Contrast dye is injected through a cannula, which commonly causes a brief warm sensation.
Things to raise before the scan
Both scans involve ionising radiation. For the contrast study, tell the clinic in advance if you have kidney impairment, a previous reaction to contrast dye, asthma, or if you are or might be pregnant, and mention all medications you take.
Results are considered alongside your symptoms and overall risk. A scan finding may lead to changes in medication, further functional testing, or in some cases an invasive angiogram. To discuss which scan suits your situation, please contact the clinic.
