After your calcium score test, you will receive a score that shows how much calcium and plaque were found in your heart’s arteries. Understanding what your score means is essential, as it helps you know what steps, if any, you can take next. In this article, we will take a closer look at the ideal calcium score and what it could mean if your score is different from the ideal.

What is the Ideal Calcium Score Test Result?

When it comes to the calcium score test, the goal is a score of zero, especially if you are on the younger side.

A zero score means no plaque has been detected in your coronary arteries, which is good news for your heart health.

For those with minimal or no existing risk factors of heart disease, a zero is a common score. However, as you age, it becomes more likely to get a score higher than zero, especially for those 40 or older. It is still possible to maintain a zero score, even over 40 years old, with healthy lifestyle habits.

What Does a Calcium Score Higher Than Zero Mean?

When your score is higher than zero, it means some plaque has been spotted in the coronary arteries. 

If your results score above zero, you should always consult with your primary care physician, as they will have access to your medical history. Many factors affect your heart health. Paired with your calcium score, they can help inform any lifestyle changes you may want to make.  Here is a general guide to what the different score ranges can mean for you: 

1 to 10

While 1-10 is higher than the target score of zero, it is not necessarily an immediate cause for concern. It means that there is some plaque buildup in your arteries, but it’s at a very minimal level.

Your doctor may have some lifestyle recommendations, and in most cases, medical interventions are not necessary. It’s a good idea to monitor your cholesterol and to implement the steps needed to maintain your current calcium score.

This can help you understand when your score might improve and see how your results change as you continue to manage your cholesterol levels or other risk factors. 

11 to 100

A score between 11 and 100 is considered mild. It means that plaque is in your arteries, but not enough to cause blockages right now. However, this score does indicate slightly more risk of a cardiovascular event. Even the smallest of risks for cardiovascular diseases should never be ignored.

At this stage, your primary care physician will likely recommend specific lifestyle changes that will help lower your chances of increasing your score.  It is possible, depending on how close your score is to 100, that medication may be recommended at this point. 

101 to 400

A score that ranges between 101 and 400 means you have a moderate amount of plaque that has accumulated in your coronary arteries. It indicates a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, but it is still not an immediate indicator.

The risk of conditions such as heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery disease is higher with a score of 101 to 400. It is essential to speak with your primary care physician, as they might suggest medication to manage your score or recommend additional tests to help determine your overall cardiovascular health.

More than 400

A score of 400 or more will require the most immediate attention. A coronary calcium score that is 400 or higher means the test detected an extensive level of plaque in your coronary arteries.

This level of plaque causes a significant reduction in blood circulation throughout your body. A decrease in circulation can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease, including a heart attack or stroke.

Your primary care physician may recommend a more intense and immediate intervention due to the significant amount of plaque that has accumulated in the coronary vessels. This may include certain medicines, a strict diet, and an exercise program that focuses on improving cardiovascular health.

Additional tests may also be recommended to help determine if you might already have a heart condition. A score over 400 does indicate there is a likelihood that there might already be coronary artery disease present. 

Up Next

A score above zero means in most cases that you should start focusing on prevention. This can involve maintaining good habits, making lifestyle modifications, or collaborating with your primary care physician on a personalized plan. Want more information on what you can do to maintain heart health? We’ll cover this in the following article of this series. 

References

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6519430/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9885234/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9249041/