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CT Coronary Artery Calcium Score Screening

Non-contrast CT quantification of coronary atherosclerotic burden for risk stratification.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Radyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is CT Coronary Artery Calcium Score Screening?

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, calculated by Agatston method on non-contrast cardiac CT, quantifies calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden. It is a robust prognostic marker for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events and refines risk estimation in intermediate-risk asymptomatic adults.

CAC score 0 confers very low ASCVD risk (less than 1% annually) and supports deferral of statin therapy; score 1-99 indicates mild plaque with moderate risk; score 100-399 represents moderate plaque; and score 400 or greater indicates extensive plaque with high risk warranting aggressive primary prevention. CAC is recommended for risk reclassification in borderline-to-intermediate-risk adults aged 40-75.

Symptoms

Asymptomatic borderline-to-intermediate ASCVD risk (5-20%)
Family history of premature coronary artery disease
Statin therapy decision uncertainty
Atypical chest pain with low pretest probability
Diabetes mellitus age 40-75
Multiple risk factors but low calculated risk
Patient preference for personalized risk assessment

Risk Factors

Age over 40 (men) or 50 (women)
Family history of premature ASCVD
Hypertension
Hyperlipidemia
Diabetes mellitus
Smoking
Metabolic syndrome and obesity

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Statin decision in primary prevention
  • Borderline ASCVD 10-year risk 5-7.5%
  • Intermediate ASCVD 10-year risk 7.5-20%
  • Family history of myocardial infarction under age 55
  • Untreated hyperlipidemia with patient hesitation
  • Diabetes age 40-75 with risk-decision support

Treatment Methods

01
ASCVD risk calculation per pooled cohort equations
02
Patient counseling on risk-benefit of CAC scoring
03
Non-contrast ECG-gated cardiac CT acquisition
04
Agatston score calculation and percentile by age and sex
05
Risk reclassification based on score and clinical context
06
Statin initiation for score 100 or above; consider for 1-99
07
Aggressive lifestyle modification regardless of score
08
Aspirin consideration for score 100 or higher in select patients
09
Repeat CAC scoring deferred unless clinical change

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Radyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.