Coronary Calcium Scoring

Coronary calcium scoring (CCS) is a five-minute CT scan (also known as computed tomography) that uses imaging technology to detect the buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.

UPMC uses the most advanced technology to deliver accurate results and offers CCS at convenient locations throughout the region.

What Is Coronary Calcium Scoring (CCS)?

Coronary calcium scoring (CCS) is a five-minute CT scan (also known as computed tomography) that uses imaging technology to detect the buildup of calcium and plaque in the walls of the arteries in your heart.

Does calcium scoring show blockages?

Yes. CCS shows how much calcium is in your arteries and whether they are blocked.

How accurate is the calcium score test?

CCS is an accurate way to show your risk for cardiovascular disease and other complications, such as a heart attack.

Conditions we diagnose with CCS

• Coronary artery disease.

Why Would I Need CCS?

If you have a moderate risk of heart disease but no worrisome symptoms, your health care provider may recommend CCS, a quick test that helps determine if you have coronary artery disease (CAD).

Who’s a candidate for CCS?

CCS may be recommended for people with no symptoms of heart disease who meet certain criteria including:

• Males age 45-75.
• Females age 55-75.
• High blood pressure.
• High cholesterol.
• Tobacco use.
• Obesity.
• Family history of early onset heart disease.

Younger people with two or more risk factors may benefit from CCS screening even earlier.

How do I schedule a CCS test?

You may schedule your own coronary calcium scoring screening, but a prescription is required. Please check with your health care provider to see if this screening may benefit you.

What Are the Risks and Complications of CCS?

For most people, CCS is a safe procedure to screen for coronary artery disease with a low risk of complications. However, there are minimal risks related to radiation exposure. CCS is not safe for people who are pregnant.

Is a CT calcium score worth it?

CCS can show signs of coronary artery disease before it causes symptoms, allowing you to get treatment before complications develop. However, CCS is not right for everyone. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits for you.

What Should I Expect From CCS?

Before: How to prepare for CCS

Tell your doctor about all of the medicines you take and ask if you should make any changes to your medicines or to your diet before the test. You will receive instructions before your scheduled test, including:

• You may be told not to eat anything for several hours before the test.
• You may be told not to have any nicotine or caffeine products for 24 hours before the test.
• Do not use powders or lotions on your chest area on your test day.
• You may be told to remove jewelry, glasses and other metal items. Tell your doctor if you have any metal implants in your body.
• Tell your doctor if there is a chance you could be pregnant.
• Tell your doctor about any allergies or sensitivities you have to medications, iodine, latex, tape, or anesthetic agents (local and general).

Before the test, you will remove any clothing above your waist and put on a hospital gown.

You may receive an IV so you can get medicine during the test. We may inject contrast material called gadolinium through the IV in order to get a better picture of your heart. Gadolinium does not contain iodine.

How long does CCS take?

CCS takes about five minutes.

During your CCS

• You will lie flat on your back on a table that is moved into the machine. It is important to be very still during the test.
• A technician will control the machine from the next room and can see and hear you throughout the test.
• If necessary, contrast material may be injected into your vein to get a better picture of your heart.
• You may be asked to hold your breath so the CT machine can take more accurate pictures of your heart.

Recovery after CCS

After completing your test, you can resume your normal activities immediately. As long as you are feeling well, you should be able to drive yourself home.

When to call your doctor about CCS complications

You should call your doctor if you experience any complications after your CCS test, including:

• Blood pressure fluctuations.
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
• Flushing sensation.
• Stomach pain or pressure.
• Headache.
• Nausea.
• Vomiting.
• Chest pain.
• Shortness of breath.
• Rapid heart rate.

What are the results of a CCS test?

A score of zero indicates either that there is no calcified plaque in your coronary arteries or it is so minor it cannot be measured. Scores showing the extent of calcified plaque range from 1 to 400, with one indicating minimal calcification. A score higher than 400 indicates you have extensive calcification in your arteries and your health care provider may recommend treatment.

What is a normal CCS score?

The higher your CCS score, the greater your risk for coronary artery disease. A CCS score of:

• 100 or lower = mild risk coronary artery disease
• 101-400 = moderate risk coronary artery disease
• 400 or higher = high risk of coronary artery disease

Why Choose UPMC for CCS?

UPMC uses the latest, low-dose CT scan technology to perform CCS tests, which can be scheduled at convenient locations across the region. If your results show that you need additional care, UPMC offers a full range of treatment options to meet your individual needs. 

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-10-01.