A two-minute, ₹500 coronary calcium scoring CT scan launched at a Chennai government hospital aims to make early heart disease detection more accessible. The quick test helps identify coronary risk in people with hypertension, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.
A government hospital in Chennai has introduced a two-minute coronary calcium scoring CT scan priced at ₹500 to support earlier detection of heart disease. The service is currently available at the Tamil Nadu Government Multi-Super Specialty Hospital (TNGMSSH), where clinicians say the goal is to identify coronary artery disease at an early stage, particularly among individuals who may not show symptoms initially.
Doctors at the hospital report that the scan is intended for the general public but is especially useful for people with risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, and a family history of heart disease.
In recent years, the hospital has observed a noticeable increase in heart-related conditions among individuals below 45 years of age. This trend has also been described in cardiovascular studies linking early-onset coronary artery disease with changing lifestyle and metabolic health patterns.
The scan’s cost of ₹500 makes it more accessible compared to private healthcare facilities. Early screening may help reduce delays in diagnosis and prevent advanced complications.
It helps patients who can't undergo treadmill tests due to due to disability or hypertension. Also we've seen a sharp rise in heart disease after COVID.Dr. Mary Majella, Head of Cardiology, TNGMSSH
The scan measures calcium buildup in coronary arteries. Calcium indicates the presence of atherosclerosis, a process in which arteries supplying blood to the heart gradually stiffen and narrow. The test generates a coronary calcium score, which helps estimate the likelihood of future heart events. Research has shown that higher calcium scores correlate with increased cardiovascular risk (Greenland, Solomon & Blaha, 2018).
Interpretation commonly follows:
Below 100: Lower immediate risk
100–400: Moderate risk with need for further evaluation
Above 400: Higher risk requiring prompt cardiac assessment
The scan does not replace diagnostic imaging of blockages but helps guide whether further testing is needed.
“The calcium scan is a preliminary test and can be followed by ECG, ECHO, or coronary angiogram for detailed diagnosis,” said Dr. J Chezhian, Head of Radiology, TNGMSSH to the Times of India.
The procedure is non-invasive. The patient lies on a CT table while the scanner captures images of the coronary arteries. The imaging takes only a couple of minutes. Afterward, a cardiologist reviews the score and recommends steps such as lifestyle adjustments, medication, or additional tests like echocardiography or coronary angiography. Clinical guidelines highlight that calcium scoring serves as a screening tool and should be interpreted alongside clinical evaluation.
The introduction of a low-cost, rapid coronary calcium scoring scan at a government hospital in Chennai offers an accessible pathway for early heart disease screening. By making the test affordable and quick, the service may encourage individuals with risk factors to seek evaluation sooner, particularly younger adults who may not recognise early signs of cardiovascular disease. While the scan does not replace full diagnostic assessments, it can play a meaningful role in guiding timely medical follow-up and preventive care.
Greenland, Philip, Scott D. Solomon, and Michael J. Blaha. “Coronary Calcium Score and Cardiovascular Risk: JACC Review Topic of the Week.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology 72, no. 4 (2018): 434–447. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.05.027
Arnett, Donna K. “2019 ACC/AHA Guideline on the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines.” Circulation 140, no. 11 (2019): e596–e646. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678
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