A normal calcium score is zero.
Understanding Calcium Scores
A calcium score is a measure of the amount of calcified plaque in your heart's arteries. This score is obtained through a non-invasive CT scan. The presence of calcification is an indicator of potential coronary artery disease.
What Does a Zero Score Mean?
- No Calcification: A score of zero means no calcium deposits were detected in your arteries.
- Negative Scan: Healthcare providers often refer to a zero calcium score as a negative scan.
- Low Risk: With a score of zero, the risk of experiencing a heart attack in the next two to five years is considered very low.
Why is a Calcium Score Important?
A calcium score is a useful tool for assessing your risk of heart disease. It helps healthcare providers determine if further investigation or treatment is necessary.
Practical Insights
- If you have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, your doctor may recommend a calcium score test.
- A higher calcium score does not necessarily mean you will have a heart attack soon, but it does suggest a higher risk.
- The calcium score is one tool that can be used with other information, like cholesterol levels, blood pressure readings, and family history, to get a full picture of your cardiovascular health.
Summary of a Normal Calcium Score
| Score | Interpretation | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No calcium detected, negative scan | Very low risk |
In summary, a calcium score of zero is considered normal and is indicative of very low risk for heart attacks.
