Coronary Calcium Scan

A coronary calcium (CAC) scan is a low‑dose CT that quantifies calcified plaque and can meaningfully refine cardiovascular risk. It’s most useful for adults with borderline–intermediate risk to guide preventive therapy (statins, lifestyle). A score of zero suggests low short‑term risk; higher scores increase urgency. Not routine for low‑risk people or symptomatic patients; small radiation and possible incidental findings.

Costs vary by country and facility. In the US a coronary calcium (CAC) CT typically runs about $50–$400 (self-pay); many insurers don’t cover routine screening. In the UK private CT calcium scoring usually costs about £100–£300; NHS offers it selectively. In India prices commonly range roughly ₹1,200–7,000. Final price depends on location, scanner, and whether reporting or cardiologist review are included.

A normal coronary calcium score is zero, meaning no detectable calcified plaque and very low short‑term risk of coronary events. Scores 1–100 suggest mild atherosclerosis, 101–400 indicate moderate disease, and >400 reflect extensive calcification with higher cardiovascular risk. Higher scores correlate with greater likelihood of significant coronary artery disease and help guide prevention and further testing.

No — a coronary calcium (CAC) scan detects calcified plaque and measures a calcium (Agatston) score to estimate overall atherosclerotic burden, but it does not directly visualize arterial narrowing or non‑calcified (soft) plaque. A high calcium score signals increased heart disease risk and usually prompts further testing (CT coronary angiography or invasive angiography) to evaluate actual blockages; a zero score implies low short‑term risk.

Best age to get a coronary calcium (CAC) scan is usually between 40 and 75 years when results could change treatment—particularly adults 40–70 with borderline or intermediate 10‑year cardiovascular risk. Consider earlier testing if you have a strong family history, smoking, diabetes, or other high‑risk features. CAC is not routinely recommended for people under 40 or for most over 75.

To directly detect coronary artery blockages, invasive coronary angiography (cardiac catheterization) is the gold-standard test. For noninvasive evaluation, coronary CT angiography provides excellent visualization of plaques and stenosis; coronary calcium scoring estimates overall atherosclerotic burden. For peripheral or carotid disease, duplex ultrasound and the ankle‑brachial index are commonly used. Choice depends on symptoms, risk, and clinical context.