Coronary Calcium Score

Non-contrast, low-dose CT scan that precisely measures calcium deposits in the coronary arteries and converts the result into a validated cardiovascular risk score. Takes only seconds of scan time and requires no contrast agent or fasting.

The coronary calcium score at KardioRadiologie Köln is a short, non-invasive CT examination that captures and quantifies calcium deposits lodged within the walls of the coronary arteries. Arterial calcification is a direct marker of atherosclerotic plaque that has been accumulating over years, and the resulting numerical score — calculated using the Agatston method — is one of the strongest independent predictors of future myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death that current medicine can offer. The scan is performed without any contrast agent. The patient lies still on the examination table while the 256-slice CT scanner acquires the images in a matter of seconds, gated to the cardiac cycle to freeze motion artefact. Because no contrast is needed and the acquisition is brief, the procedure carries a minimal radiation burden — substantially lower than most conventional radiological examinations. The result is a single Agatston score. A score of zero indicates no detectable calcification; multiple large studies have shown that such patients have an extremely low risk of a cardiovascular event over the following five to ten years and may safely defer or discontinue statin therapy. Intermediate scores indicate subclinical disease and can shift borderline cases toward earlier preventive treatment. High scores — particularly above 400 — signal advanced plaque burden requiring urgent cardiovascular risk management and often motivate downstream coronary angiography. At KardioRadiologie Köln, the calcium score is offered both as a standalone screening investigation and as the first stage of a combined cardiac CT appointment that proceeds directly to contrast-enhanced CT coronary angiography. PD Dr. Klass — who contributed to establishing Ulm University's role as Germany's national reference centre for cardiac imaging — leads every examination and provides a direct post-examination consultation to explain the result and its clinical implications in plain terms. The practice recommends calcium scoring as a preventive screening tool for healthy adults with intermediate cardiovascular risk — most commonly individuals aged 45 to 70 with one or more classical risk factors (smoking history, elevated blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, or a first-degree family history of premature coronary disease) whose risk category is unclear and where the score can meaningfully guide treatment decisions. No fasting is required. Caffeine, nicotine, and strenuous exercise should be avoided for several hours before the appointment to ensure stable heart rate during acquisition. Private health insurance (PKV) typically reimburses the full cost. Statutory health insurance (GKV) covers cardiac CT including calcium scoring for patients with a pre-test probability of coronary artery disease between 15 and 50 percent, following the January 2025 expansion of the German benefit catalogue (§ 87a SGB V). Self-pay patients can book directly without a referral.