A cardiac CT calcium score or coronary calcium scan measures the amount of calcified plaque in the heart arteries. The presence of calcium in your arteries is an indicator of plaque build-up, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attacks.
The scan is quick, non-invasive, and painless. After the scan, a radiologist reviews your calcium score and sends it to your doctor. Higher scores indicate a greater risk of heart attack, heart disease, or stroke. A coronary calcium scan can also help detect coronary artery disease before you experience any symptoms.
Your doctor can use this information to set personalized goals for managing cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease.