Understanding the Benefits of a Calcium Scoring Test for Heart Health
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States—often without warning signs. For many people, the first symptom of heart trouble is a life-threatening event like a heart attack. The good news? A simple scan can detect heart disease before it becomes critical.
A CT calcium scoring test—also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan—can reveal silent plaque buildup in the arteries, helping patients take action early. In this post, we’ll walk through how the test works, who it’s for, and the calcium scoring test benefits you should know about.
What Is a Calcium Scoring Test?
A calcium scoring test is a quick, non-invasive scan that uses low-dose computed tomography (CT) to detect calcified plaque in the coronary arteries—the vessels that deliver blood to your heart.
The test results in a calcium score, which measures the amount of hardened plaque in your arteries. The higher the score, the greater your risk for developing coronary artery disease (CAD) or experiencing a future cardiac event.
This scan doesn’t require needles, contrast dye, or downtime. At Wisteria Imaging, we offer calcium scoring as part of our commitment to preventative care and early diagnosis for heart health.
To learn more about how the scan works, the Cleveland Clinic offers a helpful overview of the procedure.
Who Should Consider Getting the Test?
Calcium scoring is most helpful for individuals who don’t yet show symptoms of heart disease, but may have risk factors that raise concern. You might benefit from the test if you:
Are between ages 40–70
Have a family history of heart disease
Are a current or former smoker
Have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
Are overweight or live a sedentary lifestyle
Have borderline risk and want clearer insight
It’s also ideal for people who are on the fence about starting statins or other medications. The calcium score can help inform that decision, giving both patients and physicians more clarity.
If you're unsure whether you're a good candidate, reach out to Wisteria Imaging to speak with a care coordinator.
What Are the Benefits of a Calcium Scoring Test?
The greatest benefit of calcium scoring is early risk stratification—it identifies the presence of coronary artery disease before symptoms arise.
Key benefits include:
Better risk prediction: A higher calcium score strongly correlates with an increased risk of heart attack. According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the test can help reclassify risk for patients who fall into the intermediate range.
Motivation for lifestyle change: Seeing visible plaque on a scan is a powerful motivator for healthier habits like quitting smoking or improving your diet.
Guidance on medications: A higher score may support the need for starting or continuing cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins—even if other indicators are borderline.
Peace of mind: A zero score suggests an extremely low short-term risk of heart attack, which can help avoid unnecessary medications or tests.
How the Procedure Works
At Wisteria Imaging, the CT calcium scoring test takes less than 15 minutes.
Here’s what to expect:
No prep required: You may be asked to avoid caffeine and tobacco before the scan, but otherwise, no fasting or injections are needed.
Simple and comfortable: You'll lie on a CT table while electrodes monitor your heart rhythm. The scan is timed with your heartbeat to capture clear images.
Immediate results: After the scan, the images are reviewed by a radiologist, and you’ll receive your calcium score shortly thereafter—often within a day.
Learn more about what the score means by visiting the Mayo Clinic’s guide.
What Do the Scores Mean?
Your calcium score reflects the amount of plaque buildup in your arteries:
0: No visible plaque — very low risk
1–99: Mild plaque — low to moderate risk
100–399: Moderate plaque — moderate to high risk
400+: Extensive plaque — high risk of heart disease or cardiac events
Your provider will interpret the results alongside your other risk factors to help build a comprehensive heart health plan.
Why Early Detection Matters
Heart disease can progress silently for years. A calcium scoring test helps break that silence by offering clear, visual data that supports early intervention. Studies show that incorporating calcium scoring improves the accuracy of 10-year risk predictions, even beyond traditional tools like cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Early detection doesn’t just help with prevention—it saves lives.
Is It Time to Schedule Your Calcium Scoring Test?
If you have risk factors for heart disease—or just want peace of mind—a calcium scoring test is a simple way to take control of your heart health. At Wisteria Imaging, we make the process fast, affordable, and informative.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment or learn more about CT calcium scoring and how it could help you take proactive steps toward a healthier future.