Coronary Calcium Score Explained: What Your Score Means
What Is a Coronary Artery Calcium Score?
A coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a measurement of the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries -- the blood vessels that supply the heart muscle. It is obtained from a CT scan of the heart and expressed as a numerical score.
Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are a marker of atherosclerosis (plaque build-up). The calcium score provides a direct, quantifiable measure of the extent of coronary artery disease.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
A score of 0 means no calcified plaque was detected. This is associated with a very low risk of a heart event in the next 5 to 10 years.
A score of 1 to 100 indicates mild plaque build-up. Your cardiologist may recommend lifestyle modifications and closer monitoring of risk factors.
A score of 101 to 400 indicates moderate plaque build-up. This is associated with a moderately increased risk and may warrant medication such as a statin, along with intensive risk factor management.
A score above 400 indicates extensive plaque build-up and a significantly elevated risk. Further investigation such as a full CT coronary angiogram or stress testing may be recommended.
It is important to note that the calcium score measures calcified plaque only. Non-calcified (soft) plaque, which can also be significant, is better assessed with a full CT coronary angiogram.
Who Should Get a Calcium Score?
A coronary artery calcium score is most valuable for people at intermediate cardiovascular risk -- that is, people who have some risk factors but whose overall risk is uncertain. This includes people aged 45 to 75 with one or more risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of premature heart disease, or former smoking.
It is also useful for people who want a definitive answer about whether plaque is present in their coronary arteries, rather than relying on calculated risk scores alone.
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All consultations and cardiac tests at Complete Heart Centre are 100% bulk billed through Medicare. All cardiology referrals accepted. No gap fees, no out-of-pocket costs.
How the Test Is Performed
A coronary calcium score is obtained using a low-dose CT scan of the heart. The scan takes only a few seconds and does not require any injection of contrast dye. You lie on the CT scanner bed, and the machine captures images of your heart between heartbeats.
The images are then analysed to quantify any calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The total calcium score is calculated using a standardised method called the Agatston score.
At Complete Heart Centre, Dr Grewal holds Grade A accreditation in CT coronary angiography -- the highest level available. She can provide a referral for the CT scan and will discuss your results and their implications for your heart health.
What Happens After the Test?
Your cardiologist will review your calcium score in the context of your overall health, risk factors, and symptoms. Based on the result, they may recommend lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or further testing such as a full CT coronary angiogram or stress echocardiogram.
At Complete Heart Centre, the specialist consultation to discuss your calcium score results is fully bulk billed through Medicare.
Related Services -- All Bulk Billed Through Medicare
Learn more about the diagnostic tests and consultations mentioned in this article. Every service is $0 out-of-pocket with a Medicare card and GP referral.
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With a Medicare card and GP referral, your specialist consultation and all cardiac tests at Complete Heart Centre are completely free. Three clinics -- Sydenham, Bundoora and Williams Landing.
