Coronary Arter Calcium Score (CACS)

A coronary calcium score is a CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. Calcium in the arteries is a marker of atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease).

The test is commonly used to assess cardiovascular risk and to help guide decisions about prevention strategies such as cholesterol-lowering treatment.

What can a coronary calcium score show?

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A calcium score can help identify:

• early coronary artery disease

• the overall burden of coronary atherosclerosis

• future cardiovascular risk

• whether preventive treatment such as statins may be beneficial

A score of zero is reassuring and usually indicates a very low short-term risk of heart attack.

Higher calcium scores suggest increasing levels of coronary plaque and a higher risk of cardiovascular events over time.

When might a calcium score be recommended?

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A coronary calcium score may be useful if you have:

• risk factors for heart disease

• a family history of premature coronary disease

• borderline or uncertain cardiovascular risk

• raised cholesterol

• concerns about long-term heart health

It is most often used in patients without known coronary artery disease to refine cardiovascular risk assessment.

What happens during the test?

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The scan is a quick CT scan of the heart that measures calcium within the coronary arteries.

The test:

• takes only a few minutes

• does not require an injection

• does involve a small amount of radiation

• is non-invasive

You lie on the CT scanner while images of the heart are obtained.

What happens after the test?

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The calcium score is reported as a numerical value that reflects the amount of calcium present in the coronary arteries.

The results help guide decisions about cardiovascular prevention, including lifestyle changes and cholesterol treatment.