Coronary Calcium Score

Non-contrast, low-dose cardiac CT that quantifies calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and calculates an Agatston risk score — a validated, highly accurate predictor of future cardiovascular events.

The coronary calcium score at Imagerie Médicale des Deux Rives is a short, non-invasive CT examination that measures calcified atherosclerotic plaque within the walls of the coronary arteries. Calcium deposits form as a direct consequence of lipid plaque accumulating over time; the total calcified burden — expressed as an Agatston score — is one of the most powerful and best-validated predictors of future heart attack and cardiovascular death that non-invasive medicine can provide. The scan is performed without any contrast agent or intravenous access. The patient lies on the CT table while the scanner acquires a brief, low-dose image sequence gated to the cardiac cycle to eliminate motion blurring. Scan time is a matter of seconds; total appointment time including preparation is approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Radiation exposure is substantially lower than for a standard diagnostic CT of the thorax. The result is interpreted according to the Agatston method. A score of zero means no calcification is detectable; large prospective studies confirm that such patients have an extremely low cardiovascular event rate over the following five to ten years and may not require statin therapy. Scores between 1 and 100 indicate mild subclinical disease. Scores between 100 and 400 suggest moderate plaque burden and often prompt treatment escalation. Scores above 400 signal advanced atherosclerosis and typically mandate aggressive cardiovascular risk management, along with consideration of downstream coronary CT angiography or stress testing. The calcium score is specifically recommended for individuals with an intermediate estimated cardiovascular risk — most commonly adults aged 45 to 70 with one or more classical risk factors (hypertension, elevated LDL cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or a first-degree family history of premature coronary artery disease) where the result will meaningfully influence the decision to start, continue, or defer statin therapy. The 2019 ACC/AHA prevention guidelines and European Society of Cardiology 2021 guidelines both recommend calcium scoring as a refinement tool for borderline-risk patients. Strasbourg's location at the French-German border makes the centre particularly accessible for self-pay patients from the Rhine valley region. A GP prescription is required; telemedicine consultations available through Doctolib or international teleconsultation services provide a straightforward pathway. International patients pay the French Sector 1 CCAM tariff directly. No fasting is required for the examination.