Final answer:
The statement about physicians using a heart scan to measure calcium deposits and assign a calcium score is true. This is a common non-invasive procedure to detect the risk of coronary artery disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "The physician uses a heart scan to measure the number of calcium deposits and then assigns a calcium score." is true. A calcium score, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, is determined by using a heart scan, specifically a computed tomography (CT) scan, to measure the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. A high calcium score indicates a higher risk of coronary artery disease because calcium deposits are a marker of plaque build-up, which can narrow arteries and reduce blood flow to the heart. These scans help physicians in the early detection of cardiovascular diseases that can be caused by atherosclerosis, such as coronary artery disease and heart attacks.