A coronary calcium score is a low-dose, non-contrast CT that measures calcified plaque in the arteries supplying the heart.
What does a calcium score measure?
The scan detects calcium within coronary atherosclerotic plaque and calculates a numerical score, commonly called an Agatston score. The result helps your clinician assess established calcified plaque burden as one part of cardiovascular risk assessment.
How is the scan performed?
Small ECG stickers are placed on the chest so the images can be timed to the heartbeat. You lie on the CT table and hold your breath briefly. The scan does not usually require a cannula or iodine contrast.
You must refrain from all caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate etc) for 24 hours prior to the scan. Do not stop prescribed medication unless instructed.
What the score can tell you
- Whether calcified coronary plaque is visible.
- The amount of calcified plaque detected.
- How the result may alter risk assessment when combined with age, symptoms and other risk factors.
- Whether more detailed clinical or imaging assessment may be appropriate.
What the score cannot tell you
A calcium score does not show all non-calcified plaque, does not fully assess coronary narrowing and does not determine whether a plaque is likely to rupture. A score of zero can be reassuring in selected patients, but it is not a complete clearance test, particularly in younger people or earlier disease.
The scan is not designed to diagnose the cause of active chest pain. New or severe chest pain requires urgent medical assessment.
What happens after the result?
Your GP, physician or cardiologist interprets the result with blood pressure, cholesterol, lipoprotein(a), diabetes, smoking, family history, symptoms and other tests. Treatment decisions should not be based on the score alone.
Related Patient Guides
- PG2001 – CT Scan: What to Expect Before, During and After Your Appointment
- PG2002 – What Is Spectral CT? A Simple Patient Guide
- PG2003 – Spectral CT in Cancer Imaging: What Patients Should Know
- PG2004 – CT Contrast: Iodine Contrast Explained
- PG2005 – Radiation Dose in CT: Understanding Risk, Benefit and Context
- PG2006 – Low-Dose CT Lung Screening: Preparation, Results and Follow-Up
- PG2008 – CT Coronary Angiography: How to Prepare and What to Expect
- PG2009 – CT Angiography: Brain, Neck, Aorta and Peripheral Arteries
- PG2010 – Dental and Cone Beam CT: What to Expect
We have more detailed information on many interesting regenerative and radiological topics on our Insights page
Frequently Asked Questions
For other FAQs please visit our FAQs page
Does a calcium score use contrast?
No. A standard coronary calcium score is performed without intravenous iodine contrast.
Is a score of zero the same as no coronary disease?
No. It means no calcified coronary plaque was detected. Non-calcified plaque may still be present.
Is a high score an emergency?
Not by itself, but it confirms atherosclerotic plaque burden and should be reviewed with your treating clinician. Acute symptoms require urgent assessment regardless of the score.
| Important:A calcium score is one layer of cardiovascular assessment. It does not replace clinical review or CT coronary angiography when more detailed coronary anatomy is required. |
PATIENT GUIDE • PG-2007 [Patient information: A coronary calcium score is a low-dose, non-contrast CT that measures calcified plaque in the arteries supplying the heart.]
For further reading on CT Scans please see below:
- Appendicitis CT Scan
- Chest CT Scan
- CT Scan for Back Pain
- Knee CT Scan
- Pulmonary Fibrosis
- Asbestosis CT Scan
- CT Abdomen Scan
- Heart CT Scan
- Lung CT Scan
- Sinus CT Scan
- Brain CT Scan
- CT Scan Calcium Score
- Kidney CT Scan
- Neck CT Scan
Searching for a bulk billed CT chest on the Gold Coast?
CT is one of the most important imaging tests for the lungs and chest, and eligible standard diagnostic CT examinations at MBR Health may be bulk billed with a valid referral.
