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What is a coronary calcium score?

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A coronary artery calcium score is the result of a test called a coronary calcium scan. Coronary calcium scans provide the doctor with an image of the coronary arteries.

The test scans the arteries for buildup of calcium. This calcium is one of the substances that make up plaque, which also contains cholesterol, fat and other substances. Plaque usually develops calcium after it has been developing for a significant amount of time. Plaque and calcium buildup can cause your blood vessels to become narrow, and may increase the risk for a heart attack. By testing the level of calcium in the arteries, the doctor can determine whether a patient is at risk for or has coronary heart disease (CHD).

A coronary calcium scan is a test that takes only a few seconds. It uses computed tomography (CT) to produce an image of the coronary arteries. A person undergoing a coronary calcium scan may be asked to hold his or her breath for those few seconds to get the most accurate scan.

After the scan is complete, the doctor and patient will discuss the results. The patient is given a calcium score, which also is called an Agatston score. There may be separate Agatston scores for each of the major arteries, and also an overall score. If no calcifications are found in all of the arteries, the test result will be negative; this means the patient has a low likelihood of developing a heart attack within the next 2 to 5 years. The test is considered positive if calcium is detected in the arteries. A normal Agatston score is zero. The higher the score, the greater the chance of CHD. If a patient has a high Agatston score, the doctor may order further tests, and may recommend lifestyle changes or treatment to reduce the risk for a heart attack.

Although coronary calcium scans can be valuable for appropriate patients, the American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology do not advise routine coronary calcium scans for people with no symptoms of heart disease or those who do not have other risk factors such as a smoking.

Additional information can be found at these websites:

www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/cscan

www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/basics/results/prc-20015000