(810) 732-1919
Cash PricesPay BillPatient PortalSchedule Appointment

Cardiac CT Calcium Score

Jump to:
Who Benefits? | Preparation | What to Expect | Understanding Results

What is Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring?

Cardiac Computed Tomography (CT) for Calcium Scoring (also called a heart scan) is a non-invasive means to screen for coronary artery disease. Unlike blood pressure, cholesterol and other tests that can only assess your risk, a cardiac CT can detect–or rule out–the existence of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, the arteries which supply blood to the heart muscle.

cardiac CT calcium score

When calcified plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the arteries can narrow, impeding blood flow to the heart which can cause a heart attack. Generally, the more calcified plaque that is present, the higher the calcium “score” and the greater the likelihood of significant coronary artery disease.

cardiac ct calcium score

Who benefits from a Coronary CT for Cardiac Score?

Your doctor or primary care provider may recommend a CT Coronary Calcium Score if you have any of the following risk factors for coronary artery disease:

  • Overweight or obese
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease or heart attacks run in your family
  • High blood pressure (Hypertension)
  • High cholesterol
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking history

Preparing for Cardiac CT for Calcium Score

  • No special preparation is necessary.
  • Continue to take your approved medications.
  • Avoid caffeine, exercise and chocolate for 24 hours prior to the exam.
  • Avoid smoking for 4 hours prior to the exam.
  • Wear loose comfortable clothing. You may be asked to wear a gown during the exam.
  • Metal objects can affect the CT images. Leave items such as jewelry, eyeglasses, dentures, removable dental work, hearing aides, and hairpins, at home or remove them. You may also be asked to remove hearing aids and removable dental work.
  • You may be asked to remove piercings.
  • Women should remove bras with metal underwire.
  • Women should always inform their physician and our CT technologist if they are possibly pregnant.

What to Expect During a CT Coronary Calcium Test

During the test, you will be asked to lie flat on a padded scanner bed while electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm. You’ll need to lie still and may be asked to briefly hold your breath for a few seconds while the images are taken. The scan itself is painless and usually takes less than 20 minutes. No needles, contrast dye, or sedation are typically required. Afterward, you can return to normal activities without delay.

Understanding Your Calcium Test Score Results

The following can help you understand CT coronary calcium test results:

Understanding Your Calcium Test Score Results

The following can help you understand CT coronary calcium test results. Swipe to view the full calcium score chart →

Calcium Score (Agatston Score) What It Means Level of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) Typical Risk Level What Your Doctor May Discuss
0 No detectable calcium No evidence of plaque Very low risk Continue healthy lifestyle; repeat scan in 3–5 years if recommended
1–10 Minimal calcium detected Very mild plaque Low risk Lifestyle optimization; risk-factor monitoring
11–100 Mild amount of calcium Mild plaque buildup Mild to moderate risk Lifestyle changes; may consider cholesterol-lowering medication depending on overall risk
101–400 Moderate calcium buildup Moderate plaque burden Moderate to high risk Stronger focus on risk reduction (statins, blood pressure control, diet, exercise)
Over 400 Extensive calcium detected Significant plaque buildup High risk Aggressive risk-factor management; further cardiac evaluation may be recommended

Important Notes:

  • The score reflects calcified plaque only — it does not measure soft plaque.
  • Your age, sex, family history, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes status, and smoking history all factor into how your doctor interprets your score.
  • Sometimes doctors also compare your score to others your same age and sex (a percentile ranking) to better understand your relative risk.

For more information about Cardiac CT Calcium Scores or other services offered by Regional Medical Imaging, contact us today!

Contact RMI