Heart Health: Calcium Scores Aren't the Full Story

While a coronary artery calcium score can be a useful preventive tool, it doesn't provide a complete picture of heart health. Experts clarify that the score specifically measures calcified plaque, offering a lower short-term risk indication for those with a zero score. However, this test may not detect other critical types of plaque.

Soft, inflamed, or non-calcified plaques are of concern because they can be unstable and prone to rupture. These early-stage plaques may not be visible on a calcium score and can still pose significant cardiovascular risk. Individuals with risk factors like diabetes, smoking, or a family history may fall into higher-risk categories.

Cardiologists emphasize that the choice of assessment depends on individual risk profiles and symptoms. Calcium scoring aids in long-term risk refinement for asymptomatic individuals. CT angiography, conversely, provides a detailed view of both calcified and non-calcified plaque, making it more suitable for those experiencing chest pain or breathlessness.