Coronary Calcium Score

Short non-contrast CT scan that measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and converts them into an Agatston score — one of the most validated independent predictors of cardiovascular risk, requiring no injection, no fasting, and only seconds of scan acquisition time.

The coronary calcium score at Medimage SA is a dedicated non-contrast CT examination that quantifies calcified atherosclerotic plaque in the walls of the coronary arteries. The examination produces a single numerical value — the Agatston score — that has been validated in large prospective studies as one of the strongest independent predictors of future myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiovascular death. The scan is performed without any contrast agent. The patient lies on the CT table while the scanner acquires a series of cardiac-gated images timed to freeze motion during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle. Acquisition takes only a few seconds of actual scanning time, and the entire appointment — including preparation, positioning, and imaging — is typically complete within 15 to 20 minutes. The acquired images are analysed using dedicated software that identifies and quantifies all calcified deposits in the major coronary arteries: the left main, left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary artery. The resulting Agatston score is interpreted in context of the patient's age and sex: - Score of 0: No detectable calcification; very low 10-year cardiovascular event risk; may support deferring statin therapy in borderline cases. - Score 1–100: Mild disease; further risk factor optimisation recommended. - Score 101–400: Moderate plaque burden; medical treatment generally warranted. - Score >400: Extensive calcification; high cardiovascular risk requiring active management and often further investigation with CT angiography. At Medimage SA, the calcium score is offered both as a standalone preventive screening test and as the first stage of a combined cardiac CT appointment that proceeds directly to contrast-enhanced CT coronary angiography within the same visit. This staged approach is efficient: patients who score zero may not need the angiographic stage, while intermediate and high scorers proceed immediately to the second phase for anatomical coronary mapping. The examination is supervised by one of the centre's specialist radiologists, with cardiac MRI expertise also available on-site through Dr. Monica Deac, a cardiologist specialised in cardiac imaging. The written report includes the Agatston score, vessel-by-vessel breakdown, and an interpretation of cardiovascular risk in plain clinical terms. No fasting is required. Patients are typically advised to avoid caffeine and tobacco for several hours beforehand to stabilise resting heart rate, which improves image quality. The examination carries a very low radiation dose — lower than a standard chest CT — and is suitable for preventive screening from age 40 upward in those with at least one cardiovascular risk factor. Swiss complementary insurance (Zusatzversicherung) or self-pay options apply; KVG/LAMal covers this examination only when referred by a physician for a medically indicated indication.