Coronary Calcium Scoring

Medically reviewed by Nachiket J. Patel, MD, FACC, FSCAI. Last reviewed July 2026.

Coronary calcium scoring through Flow

Flow orders the scan when it can help answer a specific question and reviews the result alongside your symptoms, risk, and prior testing. Confirm scheduling arrangements with the office and imaging center.

Where: The scan is performed at an imaging center. Confirm its location and preparation instructions with that center.

Next step: Request an appointment or call 480-571-1863 to discuss your evaluation.

A coronary calcium score is a noncontrast CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the heart arteries. It can help guide prevention decisions when the best approach is uncertain.

This guide focuses on calcium scoring. For a contrast scan that examines the arteries in more detail, read our coronary CT angiography guide. The two tests answer different questions.

Flow Heart & Vascular orders and interprets heart CT results in the context of symptoms, prior testing, kidney function, heart rate, and the decision the scan is meant to inform.

What does a coronary calcium score show?

A calcium score detects calcium-containing plaque in the heart arteries. The number reported is called an Agatston score. A higher score generally means a greater burden of coronary plaque and a higher future cardiovascular risk.

A score of zero can be reassuring in the right prevention setting, but it does not exclude plaque without calcium, temporary tightening of an artery, disease in the heart’s small blood vessels, or an acute heart problem. Age, diabetes, tobacco use, family history, and symptoms still matter.

The result can help a patient and clinician decide how intensively to address cholesterol and other risk factors when the best prevention approach is uncertain.

How are calcium scores commonly grouped?

The score is interpreted with age, sex, symptoms, and the rest of the risk profile. These broad groups describe plaque burden; they do not choose a medication or procedure by themselves.

• 0: no calcified plaque detected; this can lower estimated near-term risk in the right setting but does not exclude noncalcified plaque
• 1–99: calcified plaque is present and the burden is often described as mild
• 100–399: a more substantial calcified-plaque burden, often described as moderate
• 400 or higher: extensive calcified plaque associated with higher cardiovascular risk

Who may benefit from a calcium score?

A calcium score is most useful when a person has no known coronary disease and the result could change a prevention decision, such as whether to begin or intensify cholesterol-lowering treatment. Current risk estimates, diabetes, tobacco use, family history, and other risk enhancers all shape that decision.

The test often adds little after coronary disease or a prior stent is already established. Chest pain or exertional breathlessness may call for a test aimed at the symptom rather than a screening calcium score, so the question should be clarified before scanning.

How is my calcium scan scheduled?

After Flow Heart & Vascular places your order, the imaging center will contact you to schedule your calcium scan. Confirm the scan location and preparation instructions with the imaging center. If you have questions about the order or have not heard from the imaging center, call our office at 480-571-1863.

How do I prepare for a calcium scan?

Follow the imaging center’s instructions for your calcium scan. Confirm food, drink, caffeine, clothing, and medication guidance before the visit. Bring a medication list and tell the team if pregnancy is possible. Do not change prescriptions on your own.

What happens during the scan?

Electrodes are placed on the chest so images can be timed to the heartbeat. The scanner is open at both ends, and the scan itself is brief.

You lie on the scanner table and may be asked to hold your breath briefly. The team can explain how long the complete visit will take.

A calcium score does not require contrast material injected into a vein. It uses X-rays; discuss the expected benefit and radiation exposure with your clinician.

What do the results mean?

A calcium score should be translated into an age- and risk-appropriate prevention plan. A high score does not automatically mean that a stent is needed.

The score does not directly measure how much an artery is narrowed. Review it alongside your overall cardiovascular risk and the prevention decision that led to the scan.

Incidental findings outside the heart can also appear and may require follow-up with the appropriate clinician.

Frequently asked questions

Does a calcium score of zero mean I cannot have a heart attack?

No test reduces risk to zero. A zero score can lower estimated risk in selected patients, but it does not exclude every type of plaque or acute disease.

Discussing a calcium score with Dr. Patel

Flow Heart & Vascular in Mesa reviews cardiac CT results alongside your symptoms, cardiovascular risk, and previous testing. If you already have a scan and want a second opinion, bring the report and ask the office how to provide the original images for review.

If you are deciding whether to have a calcium scan, read Dr. Patel’s guide to when a coronary calcium score can help a treatment decision. For questions about your plan’s participation, referrals, or prior authorization, see Insurance & Billing.

Sources and further reading

• Cardiac CT for Calcium Scoring — RadiologyInfo.org
• Coronary CT Angiography — RadiologyInfo.org

Related heart and vascular information

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
• Chest Pain
• Cardiac Stress Testing
• Coronary Angiography & Stenting

Schedule an appointment

If you have a stable heart or circulation concern, request an appointment with Flow Heart & Vascular in Mesa, Arizona. Call 911 for emergency symptoms.

Consultation appointments may be available the same day, the next day, or within one week. Submitting an appointment request does not confirm a date or time. Our office will contact you within one business day to arrange your visit.

This page provides general education and does not replace individualized medical advice.

About this patient guide

This guide provides general education to help you prepare for a conversation with your care team. The sources and further reading link to additional information from medical organizations.

A medical-review date refers to review of the clinical information. Wording, formatting, and link updates do not by themselves change that date. Your own care depends on your symptoms, medical history, and discussion with your clinician.

Found something unclear? Contact our office. Please do not include private medical details in the general appointment form.