Ключевые выводы
- A calcium score of 0 means no detectable calcified plaque and very low heart attack risk, but does not guarantee zero coronary artery disease
- Scores between 1 and 100 indicate early plaque buildup that responds well to lifestyle changes and preventive strategies
- A calcium score of 100 to 400 represents moderate coronary plaque requiring medical treatment, typically statin therapy and aggressive risk factor management
- Scores above 400 signal extensive coronary calcification with high risk of significant blockages requiring urgent cardiology evaluation
- Your score must be interpreted relative to your age and gender because calcium naturally increases with age
You received your coronary calcium score results and now you are staring at a number. Is 47 good or bad? What about 150? Does 400 mean you need surgery? The raw number alone can feel confusing without proper context. This guide breaks down every calcium score range, explains what each number means for your heart health, shows how your score compares to others your age, and lays out a clear action plan for each category.
A coronary calcium score (also called an Agatston score) is calculated from a low-dose CT scan that measures calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. The higher the score, the greater the plaque burden and the higher the cardiovascular risk. But understanding the clinical significance of your specific number requires looking at established ranges, age-adjusted benchmarks, and your individual risk factors.
Calcium Score of 0: What It Really Means
A calcium score of zero is the best possible result. It means the CT scan detected no calcified plaque whatsoever in your coronary arteries. Studies consistently show that individuals with a score of 0 have a very low risk of a major cardiac event in the next 5 to 10 years, typically well below 1% per year.
However, a score of 0 does not mean your risk is literally zero. It is possible to have non-calcified (soft) plaque that the calcium scan cannot detect. Soft plaque, while less common in isolation, can still cause blockages and even heart attacks. This is why cardiologists consider a score of 0 as "very low risk" rather than "no risk." If you have other significant risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, or a strong family history of premature heart disease, your cardiologist may still recommend preventive measures despite a zero score.
For most people with a calcium score of 0 and no major risk factors, the recommended approach is to continue a heart-healthy lifestyle and consider repeating the scan in 5 to 10 years. There is generally no need for statin therapy based on a zero score alone.
Calcium Score 1 to 10: Minimal Plaque
A score in the 1 to 10 range indicates that a very small amount of calcified plaque has been detected. This is the earliest measurable stage of coronary atherosclerosis. While the overall cardiovascular risk remains low, this finding confirms that the disease process has begun.
The clinical significance of a minimal score depends heavily on your age. A score of 5 in a 65-year-old is statistically unremarkable, as some degree of calcification is expected with aging. The same score in a 40-year-old, however, places that individual well above the expected percentile for their age group and warrants closer attention.
For patients with scores of 1 to 10, cardiologists typically recommend lifestyle optimization: regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and smoking cessation if applicable. Statin therapy is usually not initiated based on this score range alone unless other risk factors elevate overall cardiovascular risk.
Calcium Score 11 to 100: Mild Plaque and Lifestyle Intervention
A calcium score between 11 and 100 indicates mild but definite coronary plaque. This range confirms the presence of atherosclerosis and places cardiovascular risk at a low-to-moderate level. The 10-year risk of a major cardiac event for individuals in this range is estimated at approximately 3 to 8%, depending on other risk factors.
This is the range where preventive action has the greatest potential impact. The plaque burden is still relatively small, and aggressive lifestyle modification combined with appropriate medical therapy can significantly slow or halt disease progression. Key interventions include adopting a Mediterranean-style diet, engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, achieving optimal blood pressure control (below 130/80 mmHg), and managing cholesterol levels.
Many cardiologists will discuss starting statin therapy for patients with scores in the upper half of this range (roughly 50 to 100), particularly if the patient is above the 75th percentile for their age and gender. The decision to start medication is individualized and depends on the complete risk profile, not the calcium score alone. For a deeper understanding of what the calcium score test measures and how it is performed, see our complete guide to calcium score test meaning.
Calcium Score 101 to 400: Moderate Plaque and Medical Treatment
A calcium score in the 101 to 400 range represents a moderate coronary plaque burden and is a clinically significant finding. This range is associated with a moderate to high risk of coronary events, with an estimated 10-year risk of 10 to 20% depending on additional factors. Most cardiologists agree that a score above 100 strongly favors initiating medical therapy.
Patients in this range will typically be prescribed statin therapy to stabilize existing plaque, reduce inflammation, and lower LDL cholesterol. Additional medications may include aspirin (for select patients), blood pressure medications, and medications for diabetes management if applicable. Aggressive lifestyle changes remain essential alongside pharmacological treatment.
Your cardiologist may recommend additional testing to evaluate whether coronary blockages are causing reduced blood flow. Options include a stress test (exercise or pharmacological) or a CT angiogram, which provides detailed images of the coronary arteries including both calcified and non-calcified plaque, the exact location and severity of any narrowing, and the overall pattern of disease.
A common question from patients with a score of, say, 200 is whether they need a stent or surgery. The answer is: not necessarily. The calcium score tells you how much plaque is present, but not where it is or whether it is causing a significant blockage. Many patients with moderate scores have diffuse, non-obstructive plaque that is best managed with medication rather than intervention.
Calcium Score Over 400: Extensive Plaque and Urgent Attention
A calcium score above 400 indicates extensive coronary calcification. This is a high-risk finding associated with a markedly elevated probability of significant coronary artery blockages. The 10-year risk of a major cardiac event may exceed 20%, and immediate comprehensive cardiology evaluation is strongly recommended.
Patients with scores above 400 will almost certainly be placed on intensive medical therapy: high-dose statin, antiplatelet medication (such as aspirin), and strict control of all modifiable risk factors including blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and smoking. Further diagnostic testing is essential to determine the functional significance of the coronary plaque.
A CT angiogram or stress test is typically recommended to assess whether significant blockages are present. In some cases, conventional (catheter-based) coronary angiography may be necessary to plan intervention. Scores above 1,000 are associated with the highest risk and almost always warrant a thorough invasive or non-invasive evaluation to guide treatment. For a broader understanding of coronary artery disease and how early detection saves lives, read our guide on coronary artery disease early detection.
Complete Calcium Score Range Comparison
The following table summarizes each calcium score range along with its risk classification, the approximate 10-year event rate, and the recommended clinical actions.
| Score Range | Risk Level | 10-Year Event Risk | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Very low | < 1 – 2% | Continue healthy lifestyle. Rescreen in 5-10 years if risk factors exist. Statin typically not needed. |
| 1 – 10 | Low | 2 – 4% | Lifestyle optimization. Repeat scan in 3-5 years. Discuss risk factors with cardiologist. |
| 11 – 100 | Low to moderate | 3 – 8% | Aggressive lifestyle changes. Consider statin if score > 50 or high percentile. Annual cardiology review. |
| 101 – 400 | Moderate to high | 10 – 20% | Statin therapy recommended. Stress test or CT angiogram may be warranted. Strict risk factor control. |
| Over 400 | High | > 20% | Intensive medical therapy. CT angiogram or stress test recommended. Consider catheter angiography if blockages suspected. |
Event risk percentages are approximate and vary based on individual risk factors. Always discuss your results with a cardiologist.
Calcium Score by Age: What Is "Normal" at 40, 50, 60, and 70?
One of the most common questions patients ask is whether their score is normal for their age. Coronary calcium increases naturally with age, and what is considered typical at 70 would be alarming at 40. The following age-specific benchmarks are based on data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) and other large population studies.
At Age 40
Most 40-year-olds have a calcium score of 0. Any detectable calcium at this age is noteworthy. A score above 10 at age 40 places you above the 90th percentile for men and even higher for women. Even a score of 1 to 5 warrants a conversation with a cardiologist about preventive strategies, especially if accompanied by risk factors like smoking, high cholesterol, or family history.
At Age 50
The median score for 50-year-old men is approximately 15 to 50, while most 50-year-old women still have scores near 0 to 5. A score above 100 at age 50 is significantly elevated and places you at high relative risk. This is the decade where differences between men and women are most pronounced, with men developing calcification roughly 10 to 15 years earlier than women on average.
At Age 60
By age 60, some degree of coronary calcium is common. The median score for men is approximately 120 to 250, and for women 20 to 60. A score above 400 at this age indicates a plaque burden exceeding that of most peers and warrants comprehensive evaluation. Conversely, a score of 0 at age 60 is an exceptionally favorable finding.
At Age 70
Coronary calcium is nearly universal by age 70, particularly in men. Median scores for men are approximately 300 to 500, and for women 100 to 200. At this age, the focus shifts from whether calcium is present to how extensive it is and whether significant blockages exist. Scores above 1,000 are not uncommon but always require thorough cardiac evaluation.
| Age | Men: Typical Range | Women: Typical Range | Score Considered High |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 | 0 | 0 | > 10 |
| 50 | 15 – 50 | 0 – 5 | > 100 |
| 60 | 120 – 250 | 20 – 60 | > 400 |
| 70 | 300 – 500 | 100 – 200 | > 600 |
Values represent approximate 50th percentile ranges. Individual variation is significant. Percentile calculators using MESA data provide the most personalized comparison.
Why Percentile Matters More Than the Raw Number
The absolute calcium score tells part of the story, but your percentile rank tells the rest. The percentile compares your score to thousands of other individuals of the same age, gender, and ethnicity from population studies. Being above the 75th percentile means your plaque burden exceeds that of 75% of your peers and independently predicts elevated cardiovascular risk.
Consider two patients: a 45-year-old man with a score of 50 and a 70-year-old man with a score of 50. The raw number is identical, but the 45-year-old is above the 90th percentile (very high relative risk) while the 70-year-old is below the 25th percentile (low relative risk). This is why every calcium score report should include a percentile ranking, and why your cardiologist will interpret your score in the context of your demographics.
We see this principle in action regularly at DCDC. Two close friends, both 52-year-old men with similar lifestyles — both non-smokers, both moderately active, both with mildly elevated cholesterol — came in together for calcium score screening. One received a score of 0 and the other a score of 320. The friend with the zero score was reassured and continued his current healthy habits. The friend with 320 was understandably concerned. After a thorough evaluation, we started him on statin therapy and recommended a full CT angiogram to assess whether any blockages were significant. The CT angiogram revealed diffuse plaque without critical blockages, confirming that aggressive medical therapy and lifestyle optimization were the right approach. Both men left with clarity about their individual risk, but their paths forward were entirely different despite their similar lifestyles. This is exactly why screening matters — identical habits do not guarantee identical outcomes.
"Two people can live the same lifestyle and have completely different levels of coronary plaque," says Dr. Shahoo Mazhari, Consultant Cardiologist at DCDC. "Genetics, family history, and metabolic factors all play a role. The calcium score takes the guesswork out of risk assessment and gives us a concrete number to act on."
Calcium Score Testing in Dubai: Cost, Insurance, and Access
In Dubai, a coronary calcium score test typically costs between AED 500 and AED 1,200 depending on the facility. This makes it one of the most affordable cardiac imaging tests available. At DCDC's CT scanning department, the test is performed using advanced multi-slice CT technology that delivers precise calcium quantification with minimal radiation exposure.
Insurance coverage for calcium scoring in the UAE varies by provider and plan. Many insurers cover the test when it is ordered by a cardiologist for patients with intermediate cardiovascular risk, which aligns with international guideline recommendations. Some plans classify it as a preventive screening and may require prior authorization. Our team at DCDC can help verify your coverage before scheduling.
The Dubai Health Authority has increasingly emphasized preventive cardiovascular screening as part of its public health strategy. For expatriates and UAE nationals alike, the calcium score test offers a quantifiable, low-radiation, contrast-free assessment that can guide years of informed health decisions. Results are typically available within 24 hours, and patients whose scores warrant further evaluation can progress seamlessly to CT angiography or cardiology consultation at DCDC.
"At DCDC, we have been performing cardiac imaging in Dubai Healthcare City for over 13 years, completing more than 1,000 diagnostic scans every month," says Dr. Shahoo Mazhari, Consultant Cardiologist at DCDC. "We see patients from across the UAE and from around the world. The calcium score is one of the most cost-effective screening tools in cardiology, and it gives patients a clear, objective picture of where they stand."
Know Your Calcium Score at DCDC Dubai
Your calcium score is one of the most powerful predictors of heart disease risk. At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our cardiology and radiology teams provide coronary calcium scoring with fast results, personalized risk interpretation, and a clear action plan. Take the first step toward protecting your heart.
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Final Thoughts
Your coronary calcium score is one of the most direct, quantifiable measures of coronary artery disease available in modern medicine. Whether your score is 0 or 500, the number serves a clear purpose: guiding you and your cardiologist toward the right level of prevention and treatment. A score of 0 provides strong reassurance and a reason to maintain your current healthy habits. A score in the hundreds provides the early warning signal that can motivate life-saving changes in lifestyle and medication before a heart attack occurs.
The critical takeaway is that knowledge is actionable. Unlike many health metrics that feel abstract, a calcium score corresponds directly to physical plaque in your arteries. At Doctors Clinic Diagnostic Center in Dubai Healthcare City, our team uses calcium scoring as part of a comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessment, ensuring that every patient leaves not just with a number but with a personalized plan. If a follow-up CT angiogram is recommended, learn about CT angiogram pricing in Dubai. If you are over 40, have cardiovascular risk factors, or simply want clarity about your heart health, a calcium score test is a practical and affordable starting point.
Источники и ссылки
Эта статья проверена нашей медицинской командой и ссылается на следующие источники:
- American Heart Association / American College of Cardiology - 2019 ACC/AHA Primary Prevention Guidelines
- Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) - CAC Reference Values and Risk Prediction
- Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography (SCCT) - Expert Consensus on CAC Scoring
- European Society of Cardiology - 2021 ESC Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
- Agatston AS et al. - Quantification of Coronary Artery Calcium Using Ultrafast CT. JACC 1990;15(4):827-832
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Автор
Dr. Shahoo Mazhari
Consultant Cardiologist
MD Cardiology
Dr. Shahoo Mazhari is a Consultant Cardiologist specializing in non-invasive cardiac imaging, coronary CT angiography, and preventive cardiology at DCDC Dubai Healthcare City.