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Cardiolucent

Procedure

CT coronary calcium score

Diagnostics & Exams

The CT coronary calcium score is a quick, low-dose CT scan that directly measures the amount of calcified plaque sitting inside the coronary arteries. The result — called the Agatston score — is a single number that objectively quantifies atherosclerosis. Because calcium only deposits where plaque has already formed, the score is hard data about whether coronary disease is present, regardless of symptoms or cholesterol numbers. A score of zero is one of the most reassuring findings in cardiology; a high score significantly reclassifies risk upward and often changes the conversation about statins, blood-pressure targets, and lifestyle priorities. It's particularly useful for adults 40 to 75 who are on the fence about preventive therapy.

What's Included

  • Low-dose, non-contrast CT scan targeting the coronary arteries
  • EKG-gated image acquisition for sharp, motion-free pictures
  • Agatston calcium score calculation
  • Comparison with age- and sex-matched populations
  • Risk reclassification based on the score
  • Personal review of the report with Dr. Kedan
  • Updated prevention plan based on findings

How It's Performed

Calcium scoring is performed at a partner imaging center rather than in our office. You lie on a flat table that slides through a doughnut-shaped scanner. EKG leads are placed so the scanner can time images to your heartbeat, and you'll hold your breath for about 10 seconds while images are captured. The scan itself is over in 10 to 15 minutes. The radiation dose is very low — comparable to roughly a year of natural background radiation — and no contrast dye is required.

How to Prepare

  • Avoid caffeine on the morning of the scan — an elevated heart rate blurs the images.
  • No fasting is required; take usual medications.
  • Wear comfortable clothing without metal in the chest area (zippers, snaps, underwire).
  • Plan to change into a gown at the imaging center.
  • Bring any prior cardiac imaging reports for comparison.

What to Expect After

There is no recovery — you can drive yourself home and resume all normal activity immediately. Dr. Kedan reviews the report personally — typically within a few days of the scan — and walks through the score, what it means for your individual risk, and the implications for treatment at a dedicated follow-up. A high score is not a verdict; with aggressive management of lipids, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and lifestyle, even patients with high scores can dramatically reduce their long-term risk.

Indications

  • Adults 40 to 75 uncertain about starting a statin
  • Family history of premature coronary disease
  • Borderline traditional risk factors on standard calculators
  • Strong desire for a concrete, objective measure of risk
  • Atypical chest discomfort with low pre-test probability
  • Reassessment after years of lifestyle and lipid therapy
  • Adjunct to advanced lipid testing in complex cases

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CT coronary calcium score?
A coronary calcium score is a quick, low-dose CT scan of the heart that quantifies the amount of calcified plaque sitting inside your coronary arteries. The result — called the Agatston score — is a single number that directly measures atherosclerosis. Because calcium only deposits where plaque has already formed, the score is an objective, hard-data look at whether coronary disease is present, regardless of symptoms or cholesterol numbers.
Why is the calcium score so useful?
It tells us what's actually in your arteries rather than what your statistical risk model predicts. Two patients with identical cholesterol panels can have vastly different calcium scores — and therefore vastly different risk. A score of zero is one of the most reassuring findings in cardiology; a high score significantly reclassifies risk upward and often changes the conversation about statins, blood pressure targets, and lifestyle priorities.
Who should consider a calcium score?
Adults roughly 40 to 75 who are uncertain about whether to start a statin, those with a family history of premature coronary disease, patients with borderline traditional risk factors, and anyone who wants a more concrete answer than risk calculators alone provide. Dr. Kedan will help judge whether it adds meaningful information to your specific situation.
How do I prepare for the scan?
Avoid caffeine on the morning of the scan, since elevated heart rate can blur the images. No fasting is required, and you can take your usual medications. Wear comfortable clothing without metal in the chest area (zippers, snaps, underwire) — you'll often be asked to change into a gown.
Is the scan painful or uncomfortable?
No. You lie on a flat table that slides through a doughnut-shaped scanner. EKG leads are placed so the scanner can time images to your heartbeat, and you'll hold your breath for about 10 seconds while images are captured. No needles, no contrast dye, no claustrophobic tube.
How long does it take?
The scan itself is over in about 10 to 15 minutes. The radiation dose is very low — comparable to roughly a year of natural background radiation — making it an appropriate one-time test for risk assessment.
What do the results mean?
A score of 0 means no detectable coronary calcium and a very low short-term risk. 1–99 indicates mild plaque burden. 100–399 is moderate and usually shifts management toward more aggressive prevention. 400 or higher indicates extensive plaque and warrants intensive risk-factor control and often functional testing. Dr. Kedan interprets your score in the context of age, sex, and family history rather than as a number in isolation.
Does a high score mean I'll have a heart attack?
Not at all. A high score means atherosclerosis is present and the lifetime trajectory needs attention — it doesn't predict an imminent event. With aggressive management of lipids, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and lifestyle, even patients with high scores can dramatically reduce their risk. The score is a starting point for a strategy, not a verdict.
When will I get my results?
Calcium scoring is performed at a partner imaging center rather than in our office. Dr. Kedan reviews the report personally and walks through the score, what it means for your individual risk, and the implications for treatment at your follow-up — typically within a few days of the scan.
Is the calcium score covered by insurance?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, do not routinely cover calcium scoring; many imaging centers offer it as a competitively priced cash-pay test, often a few hundred dollars. Cardiolucent does not accept insurance for office visits and bills patients directly, providing a superbill for any out-of-network reimbursement. To discuss whether the calcium score fits your prevention plan, call (310) 304-5555.

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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.