Your Calcium Score – What It Is and Why It Matters
The amount of calcification in your arteries may show whether you have heart disease.
Not sure if you’re at risk for heart disease? A calcium score test may provide some answers. This non-invasive test provides information about whether plaque is building up in the arteries of your heart and can indicate whether you have coronary artery disease (CAD) or are at an increased risk for heart attack before any symptoms appear.
What is a calcium score test?
“A calcium score test is a quick and non-invasive CT scan of your chest,” says Yong Ji MD, cardiologist at PIH Health. “It shows whether there is any calcification in the arteries around your heart, which can be an indicator of plaque buildup. The higher your calcium score, the more evidence there is of coronary artery disease and increased risk of heart attack.”
What do the results mean?
Your calcium score is determined based on how much calcification is found in your heart’s arteries. Here is a guide for how your score is evaluated:
Zero: No calcification and low risk of heart attack
Under 100: Mild calcification
101 to 400: Moderate calcification
Over 400: Severe calcification and high risk of heart attack
“Your calcium score is only one piece of the puzzle,” explains Dr. Ji. “It helps assess your heart disease risk, but it’s important to consider other factors, like your lifestyle, medical history, and family history.”
What should you do once you know your calcium score?
“If your score is zero, it’s a good sign—you likely don’t have coronary artery disease,” says Dr. Ji. “If your score is above zero, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, like eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, reducing stress, and quitting smoking. In some cases, medications like statins may also be prescribed to help manage cholesterol and reduce your risk.”
Dr. Ji emphasizes that “a calcium score test is just one indicator of heart health. It may not be the best test for everyone, so it’s important to consult with your doctor to determine the right approach.”
Why would you need a calcium score test?
This test is often recommended for individuals aged 40 to 70 who are at an increased risk for heart disease but don’t yet show any symptoms.
“It’s particularly useful for people who are uncertain about their heart disease risk,” says Dr. Ji. “If you have known risk factors, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a family history of heart disease, this test can provide valuable insight into the health of your coronary arteries.”
What increases your risk of heart disease?
You may be at an increased risk of coronary artery disease if you:
Have high blood cholesterol or high blood pressure
Have diabetes
Are overweight or obese
Smoke (or are a former smoker)
Are inactive
Have a family history of heart disease
“If you’re unsure of your heart disease risk, talk to your primary doctor or cardiologist about whether a calcium score test is right for you,” says Dr. Ji.
To find a doctor, go to PIHHealth.org/Doctors.
