When doctors talk about your coronary calcium score, a measure of calcified plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Also known as a cardiac calcium scan, it’s a non-invasive CT test that shows exactly how much hard plaque is clogging your heart’s blood vessels. Unlike cholesterol tests or blood pressure readings, this score doesn’t guess — it shows you the actual damage, even if you feel fine.
This isn’t just for people with symptoms. Many heart attacks happen in folks who never had warning signs. A high coronary calcium score can be the first red flag that you’re at risk, even if your cholesterol looks normal. It’s especially useful for middle-aged adults with a family history of heart disease, smokers, diabetics, or anyone with high blood pressure. The score doesn’t just say "you have plaque" — it tells you how much, how fast it’s building up, and how serious your risk is compared to others your age.
What you see on the scan matters. A score of zero means almost no detectable plaque — your risk is low. A score over 100 signals moderate buildup, and anything above 400 means extensive hardening of the arteries. That doesn’t mean you’re doomed — it means you need to act. Lifestyle changes, statins, or blood pressure meds might be recommended based on your score. It’s not a diagnosis of a heart attack waiting to happen — it’s a wake-up call with a clear path forward.
Some people wonder if they need this test. If you’re over 40, have risk factors, and aren’t sure whether to start meds or just change your diet, this scan gives you real data. It cuts through the noise. You’ll find posts here that explain how it compares to stress tests, what doctors look for in the images, and how results change treatment plans. You’ll also see how it connects to other markers like LDL cholesterol, inflammation, and even how certain medications affect plaque progression. Whether you’re trying to understand your own results or just learning what this test can do, the articles below give you straight answers — no fluff, no jargon, just what you need to know to protect your heart.
A coronary calcium score reveals hidden plaque buildup in heart arteries before symptoms appear. This CT scan helps identify heart disease risk more accurately than traditional methods-especially for those with intermediate risk factors.
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