Coronary Calcium Score

A CT heart scan can detect coronary calcium (atheroma), the first sign of narrowing in the heart arteries. By detecting narrowing of the coronary arteries early, lifestyle changes can be made and treatment given to help prevent heart disease.

Detecting coronary calcium by CT heart scanning is the most accurate method to detect early coronary artery disease (heart disease). Coronary calcium is more predictive of your risk of a heart attack than traditional risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, & diabetes.

Coronary artery calcification scanning with the electron beam CT (EBCT) scanner is a breakthrough test that affords the opportunity to determine very accurately and non-invasively whether or not coronary artery disease is present in asymptomatic individuals.

The coronary calcium score directly correlates with the risk of cardiac events. People with higher scores have greater atheromatous plaque burden and a higher risk for cardiac events regardless of whether symptoms are present.

The amount of calcium is usually expressed as an Agatston Score. A test is considered to be positive if calcification is detected within the coronary arteries.

For asymptomatic individuals:

A calcium score of 0 indicates absence of detected calcium and an extremely low likelihood (<1%) of any coronary artery disease.

Calcium score of 1-80:
Small plaque - Low probablility of coronary artery disease.

Calcium score of 81-400:
Moderate plaque - Non-obstructive coronary heart disease likely, although obstructive disease possible.

Calcium score of >400:
Extensive plaque - High likelihood of at least one significant coronary stenosis.