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, minimal, 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 heart
scan, 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 heart scan
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.
