Coronary Calcium Score Test: A Tool To Clarify Heart Disease Risk

A coronary calcium score test is a low-level CT scan that looks at the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart muscle. The scan checks for calcified plaque buildup along the walls of these arteries.

Plaque can be made up of calcium, fat, cholesterol and other substances. A buildup of plaque narrows the arteries. This affects the flow of blood to the heart muscle. If a coronary artery becomes completely blocked, a heart attack (death of part of the heart muscle) can occur. Knowing how much plaque you have in your arteries can help figure out your risk for a heart attack.

In this video, UH cardiologist Claire Sullivan, MD, discusses the value of a coronary calcium score test.