Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is Relationship Of CAC Score- Calcium Cardiac Scan To
Question: What is relationship of CAC score- calcium cardiac scan to % of artery blocked?
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that a high calcium score does not directly mean your arteries are blocked with plaque or calcium. It's a predictor, much like cholesterol. It's a very good predictor, a 5 year risk predictor.
A higher calcium score indicates a high risk for serious coronary artery blockage.
A score of 100 to 300 means moderate plaque deposits. It's associated with a relatively high risk of a heart attack or other heart disease over the next three to five years. A score greater than 300 is a sign of very high to severe disease and heart attack risk.
Anyway, coronary angiography is the golden standard test to determine exactly the percentage of blocked arteries.
So,a higher calcium score is a strong indication for coronary angiography, as the next step to follow in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, cardiologist
I would explain as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Welcome to Ask a Doctor service!
I understand your concern and would explain that a high calcium score does not directly mean your arteries are blocked with plaque or calcium. It's a predictor, much like cholesterol. It's a very good predictor, a 5 year risk predictor.
A higher calcium score indicates a high risk for serious coronary artery blockage.
A score of 100 to 300 means moderate plaque deposits. It's associated with a relatively high risk of a heart attack or other heart disease over the next three to five years. A score greater than 300 is a sign of very high to severe disease and heart attack risk.
Anyway, coronary angiography is the golden standard test to determine exactly the percentage of blocked arteries.
So,a higher calcium score is a strong indication for coronary angiography, as the next step to follow in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
Hope you will find this information helpful!
I remain at your disposal in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, cardiologist
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
