A "good" cardiac score, based on a cardiac CT scan that measures calcium buildup in your arteries, generally indicates a low risk of heart attack. According to the provided reference, scores in the lower range are considered favorable.
Understanding Cardiac Scores
Here's a breakdown of what different cardiac scores typically mean:
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Zero: This signifies no plaque is detected in your arteries. This indicates a low risk of heart attack.
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1 - 10: A small amount of plaque is present. You have less than a 10% chance of having heart disease, and your risk of heart attack is low.
Summary Table: Cardiac Score Interpretation
| Cardiac Score | Plaque Amount | Heart Disease Risk | Heart Attack Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | Very Low | Low |
| 1 - 10 | Small | Low | Low |
Therefore, a cardiac score of zero is considered the best, followed by scores between 1 and 10, both indicating a low risk of heart attack and heart disease.
