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Interpret your CAC (Agatston) score to assess cardiovascular risk
The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score quantifies calcified plaque in coronary arteries using cardiac CT. Higher scores indicate more atherosclerosis and greater cardiovascular risk.
The coronary artery calcium score, also called the Agatston score, is calculated from a cardiac CT scan. Calcium deposits in the coronary arteries indicate atherosclerotic plaque—the more calcium, the more plaque, and the higher your heart disease risk.
A CAC score of 0 is associated with a very low risk of heart events over the next 10 years. However, it doesn't mean zero risk, as non-calcified ("soft") plaque won't be detected. CAC scoring is most useful for intermediate-risk patients where it can help guide treatment decisions.
| CAC Score | Plaque Burden | 10-Year Event Risk | Clinical Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | None | <1% | Lifestyle modification |
| 1-100 | Mild | ~1-5% | Consider statin therapy |
| 101-400 | Moderate | ~5-10% | Statin therapy recommended |
| >400 | Extensive | >10% | High-intensity treatment |