Score Meanings and Guidelines
5 Steps to interpret the coronary calcium score:
1. Look only at the total calcium score (agatston)
unless this is a repeat exam (the volume score is more important
to compare past scans) and note your classification-zero, mimimal,
mild, moderate or extensive It is based solely upon the score and
is not dependent on age or sex. For example, since scores between
100 and 400 are "moderate", a score of 223 is classified as moderate.
2. Now, examine how your score compares to others
your age and gender from our national database. There should be
a statement alerting you to this comparison. Pay particular attention
to any score that is in the top quartile for age (in other words,
greater than 75% for your group) especially if the score is in mild
or higher categories. If you self-referred, we suggest that you
alert your physician if your score is in the top quartile.
3. If you have had a previous heartscan, examine the
calcium volume score and use the current score to compare with previous
volume scores. Usually, we will calculate for you the change (progression
or reveral) that has occurred.
4. Look at the radiology report carefully for any
other notations. Many people will have noncardiac chest findings
that will be noted. Your physician should be alerted to this information.
5. NEVER regard the results of this test as a substitute
for routine examinations by a doctor or an excuse not to manage
risk factors. If you do not believe your doctor understands the
correct guidelines for therapy, we can arrange a consultation with
one of our doctors. Any present or future symptoms like chest pain
or shortness of breath deserves immediate physician or hospital
attention, regardless of the results of your heartscan report.
Note: Do not be alarmed if you have a positive score,
signifying the presence of calcified plaque. In fact, even most
young adults have developed noncalcified changes in the coronary
vessels during the lifelong process called atherosclerosis. Calcified
plaque is a convenient radiologic marker signifying that a more
complex type of plaque is present… most adults over 45 have a positive
score of some magnitude. The coronary calcium score (CCS) is important
because it tracks the extent of atherosclerosis or plaque very well
and its magnitude alerts us to the need for medical therapy or lifestyle
changes. The higher the score, especially for age and sex, the more
important it is to manage all modifiable risk factors and even consider
medications with your doctor. In patients with severe or extensive
plaque, it is often helpful for your doctor to perform stress tests
to see if any important blockage has occurred.
