CT Calcium Score (Coronary Calcium Scoring)
A CT Calcium Score (also called coronary artery calcium or CAC scoring) is a quick, painless, non-invasive heart scan that uses a low-dose CT scanner to detect and quantify calcium deposits (plaque) in the coronary arteries. Calcium in the arteries is an early marker of atherosclerosis — the disease process that leads to heart attacks. The scan produces an Agatston score: a score of 0 means no detectable calcium and very low heart attack risk, while higher scores indicate progressively greater plaque burden. At Iswarya Hospital, our GE Revolution 512-slice AI-powered cardiac CT scanner delivers the most precise calcium scoring available in Chennai — with ultra-low radiation (less than 1 mSv), AI-enhanced image reconstruction for crystal-clear coronary detail, and same-day reports reviewed by both a radiologist and cardiologist.
🔬 How the Procedure Is Performed
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No special preparation is needed — you can eat, drink, and take your usual medications.
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You lie on the CT scanner table and ECG leads are placed on your chest to synchronise the scan with your heartbeat.
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The GE Revolution 512-slice cardiac CT scanner takes ultra-thin images of your heart during a single breath-hold of about 10 seconds.
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No contrast dye or injections are required — it is completely non-invasive.
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AI-powered image reconstruction software identifies and precisely quantifies calcium deposits in each coronary artery.
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Your Agatston score and detailed report are generated, typically available the same day.
✅ Benefits of CT Calcium Score (Coronary Calcium Scoring)
- ✓Detects silent heart disease years before symptoms appear — enables early prevention
- ✓Completely non-invasive — no needles, no contrast dye, no catheter
- ✓Very fast — entire scan is done in under 10 minutes
- ✓Ultra-low radiation with GE's AI dose reduction — less than 1 mSv, lower than a standard chest X-ray series
- ✓A score of zero provides strong reassurance of very low cardiac event risk for the next 5–10 years
- ✓Helps your cardiologist decide whether you need statins, aspirin, or further testing like angiography
- ✓Proven to reclassify risk in 30–50% of intermediate-risk patients, changing their treatment plan
📋 How to Prepare
- No fasting required — eat and drink normally before the scan.
- Wear comfortable, loose clothing without metal buttons or zips near the chest.
- Avoid caffeine for 4 hours before the scan, as a fast heart rate can reduce image quality.
- Continue all regular medications unless your cardiologist advises otherwise.
- Inform the technologist if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy.
⚠️ Possible Risks & Side Effects
- Very low radiation exposure (< 1 mSv) — equivalent to a few days of natural background radiation
- Not recommended during pregnancy
- Cannot detect soft (non-calcified) plaque — a zero score does not guarantee zero risk in very young patients
- May cause anxiety if a high score is found, though this enables life-saving early intervention
- Not useful if you already have known coronary artery disease or previous stents/bypass
Your surgeon will discuss all risks with you before the procedure and take appropriate precautions to minimise them.
💊 Post-Procedure Care
- No restrictions — you can drive, work, and resume all normal activities immediately.
- Your Agatston score report will be explained by your cardiologist, usually the same day.
- A score of 0: very low risk — continue healthy lifestyle and recheck in 5 years if risk factors persist.
- A score of 1–99: mild plaque — your doctor may start or adjust preventive medications (statins, aspirin).
- A score of 100–399: moderate plaque — further cardiac evaluation (stress test or CT angiography) may be recommended.
- A score of 400+: significant plaque — detailed investigation with CT coronary angiography or conventional angiogram is usually advised.
- Regardless of score, maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle: no smoking, regular exercise, balanced diet, and blood pressure control.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who should get a CT Calcium Score?
It is most useful for adults aged 40–70 who have intermediate cardiovascular risk — for example, those with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a smoking history, but no known heart disease or symptoms.
What does a score of zero mean?
A zero score means no detectable calcium in your coronary arteries. This is very reassuring — your risk of a heart attack in the next 5–10 years is very low. However, it does not mean zero lifetime risk, so healthy habits remain important.
Is there any pain or discomfort?
None at all. You simply lie still for about 10 seconds while the scanner takes images. There are no injections, no dye, and no side effects.
How often should I repeat the test?
If your initial score is zero and your risk factors remain stable, a repeat scan in 3–5 years is generally sufficient. If your score is above zero, your cardiologist will guide follow-up based on your treatment response.
Is CT Calcium Score covered by insurance?
Many insurance plans cover CT calcium scoring when ordered by a physician for appropriate clinical indications. Our billing team can help verify your coverage before the scan.
How is it different from a CT angiography?
A CT Calcium Score uses no contrast dye and only measures calcium deposits. CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA) uses intravenous contrast to visualise the entire artery lumen, wall, and both calcified and non-calcified plaque. Your cardiologist may recommend CTCA if your calcium score is high.
🏥 CT Calcium Score (Coronary Calcium Scoring) at Iswarya Hospital
Complete spectrum of cardiac services including non-invasive cardiology, interventional cardiology, electrophysiology, cardiac surgery, and cardiac rehabilitation. Emergency angioplasty available 24×7.
👨⚕️ Our Cardiology / Radiology Specialists
MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology)
39+ Years Experience
✅ 99% Recommended
ℹ️ This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Individual treatment plans may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any medical decisions.