A 35-year-old corporate executive from Gurugram learnt about the possibility of a busy, sedentary life slowly killing the heart. Working long hours at her laptop, with little time for physical exercise and poor eating habits, she would often unwind by binge-watching her favourite shows. Gradually, she became tired all the time, breathless and had intermittent chest tightness.
Standard health tests showed she had high cholesterol and early signs of strain on her heart — a red flag tied to the fact that she’d been so sedentary for so long. At her doctor’s request, she took a Calcium Scoring CT scan (CAC), a fast and non-invasive test that checks the accumulation of calcium in the heart's arteries. Calcified plaque deposits were measured in her coronary arteries and that meant she had an elevated risk of a heart attack.
Due to early detection and proper treatment, her state was improving. Tests like CAC testing can save lives, especially for those with the risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity. Dr Praveen Kulkarni, Director - Intervention Cardiology, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai told Moneycontrol about what Calcium Scoring Test, why its important and how its done.
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Calcium Scoring Test (CAC)
1. What does the test do?
Calcium Scoring CT scan test simply calculates the calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries. The deposits indicate build-up of calcium plaques in the arteries. Higher the number of plaques, more is the risk of major cardiovascular event soon such as a heart attack. The test, which is usually done within five minutes, follows the investigation in a single ‘Agatston’ score, which helps the doctors to ascertain ideal preventive measures. The scan itself doesn’t require any contrast (injection).
2. How do the Cardiologists calculate the score?
Cardiologists review the CT scan and look for bright spots of calcium. They are measured based on the brightness and then added to the total score. Higher the score, more the risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event.
3. What do the numbers indicate?
• 0: No visible calcium deposits; very low short-term risk
• 1–100: Small amount; mild risk
• 101–400: Moderate risk
• >400: High risk. Patient may need to prevent all risk factors and start medication.
4. Why zero is more in calcium testing?
When the CAC is 0, it proves that your probability of developing a heart-related event for the next few years is extremely low. These individuals can prioritise a healthy lifestyle and may not need any medication, at least at present.
5. Who is the ideal candidate for the test?
Every individual with high risk factors for cardiovascular diseases such as hypertension, high cholesterol, habituated to smoking and alcohol, diabetes, high BMI and lack of structured exercise should undergo the test. This way the test can ascertain whether you need medication or need to be kept under observation for the heart related issues.
Studies have proved that recommending CAC for individuals with high risk factors can help predict the possibility of a future event and categorise people into the right risk categories so care can be better matched to actual need.
6. Why is this important for Indians?
More number of young Indians have started experiencing heart disease and uncontrollable cholesterol. Since CAC identifies the lifetime plaque deposits, unlike a blood report that shows the current health parameters, it can be used to determine the standard of care. Most importantly it can be a cost-effective measure, especially to guide individuals with no symptoms of heart disease towards care and prevention.
Also Read: Cardiologist explains 8 evidence-based ways to lower heart disease risk— drug-free
7. How the score guides action?
• Score 0: Continue the healthy lifestyle. No medication required since there is no high risk.
• Score 1–100: The cardiologist may recommend diet, exercise, and some medication. Need to change the lifestyle and make healthy choices.
• Score >100 or >400: The cardiologists may prescribe medication immediately. Requires strict diet control, especially focused on managing hypertension, sugar and LDL cholesterol.
FAQs on Calcium Scoring Test
1. What is a Calcium Scoring Test?
It’s a quick CT scan that measures calcium buildup in your heart’s arteries to assess your risk of heart disease or heart attack.
2. How long does the test take?
Just about five minutes. It’s painless, requires no injection or dye, and gives results in a single Agatston score.
3. What does your calcium score mean?
0: Low risk
1–100: Mild risk
101–400: Moderate risk
Above 400: High risk — needs medical attention
4. Who should take this test?
Anyone over 35 with risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, or a sedentary lifestyle.
5. Why is the test important?
It helps detect heart disease early, even before symptoms appear, so you can make lifestyle changes or start treatment in time.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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