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Cardiolucent

Procedure

Coronary Calcium Scoring

Direct measurement of coronary plaque burden

Coronary calcium scoring (also called a CAC scan or Agatston score) uses a fast, low-dose CT scan to directly visualize and quantify calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the coronary arteries. The result is a single number — your calcium score — that is one of the most powerful predictors of future cardiac events available in cardiology. Unlike risk calculators that estimate probability from population data, this test shows the actual disease present in your arteries today.

What's Included

  • Non-contrast cardiac-gated CT scan
  • Agatston score calculation with vessel-by-vessel breakdown
  • Age- and sex-adjusted percentile ranking
  • Comparison with prior scans when available
  • Same-visit detailed review with Dr. Kedan
  • Tailored prevention plan based on the result
  • Coordination with downstream testing (CTA, stress imaging) if indicated

How It's Performed

Coronary calcium scoring is performed at a partner imaging center using a fast multi-detector CT scanner. You lie on a padded table that slides briefly through the open ring of the scanner while EKG leads gate the images to your heartbeat. The scan itself takes less than a minute, total time at the facility is typically 20 to 30 minutes, and no contrast or IV is required.

How to Prepare

  • Avoid caffeine for 4 hours before the scan to keep heart rate steady.
  • Do not smoke or vape for 4 hours beforehand.
  • Take all routine medications as usual.
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal in the chest area.
  • Bring any prior CT or stress test reports for comparison.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you resume all normal activity immediately. Dr. Kedan reviews the calcium score and underlying images with you personally, explains how your number compares to others your age and sex, and translates the finding into a specific prevention or treatment plan. A score of zero is reassuring but not a free pass; a high score is actionable, not catastrophic.

Indications

  • Adults at intermediate cardiovascular risk where treatment decisions are uncertain
  • Strong family history of premature coronary artery disease
  • Elevated lipoprotein(a) or persistent dyslipidemia
  • Statin reluctance, intolerance, or shared-decision making
  • Metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, or chronic kidney disease
  • Atypical chest discomfort in low-to-intermediate risk patients
  • Comprehensive preventive cardiology baseline

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is coronary calcium scoring?
It is a fast CT scan that directly measures the calcified plaque in your three coronary arteries. The total volume and density of plaque is converted into a single number — the Agatston score — that reliably predicts your risk of heart attack and cardiac death over the next decade.
What does the score actually mean?
A score of 0 means no detectable calcified plaque and very low short-term cardiac risk. 1-99 represents mild plaque; 100-399 moderate; 400 or higher extensive plaque and significantly elevated risk. The score is also reported as a percentile for your age and sex, which often matters more than the raw number.
How long does the scan take?
The actual image acquisition is under 60 seconds. From check-in to walking out the door is usually 20 to 30 minutes.
How do I prepare?
Avoid caffeine and nicotine for 4 hours so your heart rate stays steady. No fasting required. Take routine medications normally.
Is it painful or claustrophobic?
No. The scanner is open on both ends — not a tunnel — and you're inside for less than a minute. There are no needles, no contrast, and no discomfort. Patients with claustrophobia generally do well.
How much radiation is involved?
Very little — typically 1 millisievert or less, comparable to a mammogram and well under a tenth of a standard chest CT. The information yield per dose is among the highest in all of preventive cardiology.
What if my score is high?
A high score is actionable, not a sentence. Dr. Kedan will intensify prevention — typically statin therapy, often with additional agents based on your advanced lipid profile — and may recommend a CT coronary angiogram or stress imaging to look for any flow-limiting lesions. The goal is to stop progression and stabilize plaque.
What if my score is zero?
Excellent news for the next 5 to 10 years — but it doesn't mean you're invincible. Soft, non-calcified plaque can still exist, and risk factors still matter. A zero score is best used to safely de-escalate aggressive medication in low-risk patients, not to abandon prevention.
When will I get my results?
The imaging center typically transmits the report within 24 to 48 hours. Dr. Kedan reviews it personally and walks through it with you at a dedicated follow-up — often the same week.
How do I schedule one?
Call Cardiolucent at (310) 304-5555. We coordinate the scan at a high-quality nearby imaging center and integrate the result into your full cardiovascular plan. Cardiolucent is concierge cardiology and does not accept insurance for office services.

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Medical Disclaimer

The information on this site is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reading this site does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personal guidance. If this is an emergency, call 911. Mentions of medications, devices, or procedures are informational and not endorsements. Full medical disclaimer.

†Some listed indications involve investigational/off-label use. Learn more.