Coronary Calcium Score

Non-contrast Dual-Source CT scan measuring calcium deposits in the coronary arteries to produce a validated cardiovascular risk score. Radiation well below 1 mSv. Results available same day.

The coronary calcium score at Radiologie München is performed on a Dual-Source CT scanner — the same technology class as the Siemens SOMATOM Force — which records images per heartbeat and maintains diagnostic quality even when the patient's heart rate is elevated. No contrast agent is required, and total radiation exposure is well below 1 mSv, approximately three-quarters less than a conventional CT or an invasive cardiac catheterisation. The scan itself takes a maximum of ten minutes, with the full appointment running to around thirty minutes. The examination quantifies calcification in the coronary arterial walls. Calcium deposits in these vessels are a direct marker of atherosclerosis — the process that underlies the majority of heart attacks. The resulting Agatston score provides a standardised numerical measure of plaque burden: a score of zero indicates less than a 5% risk of a heart attack over the following five years. Higher scores are associated with proportionally greater risk, enabling clinicians to make evidence-based decisions about preventive therapy such as statins or aspirin, lifestyle modification, or the need for further diagnostic steps including cardiac catheterisation or stress testing. At Radiologie München, the result is interpreted by specialist radiologists and reported in the context of the patient's age and sex, because normal calcium accumulation varies with these factors. The evaluation documents not only the total calcium score but also the distribution of calcification across the individual coronary arteries, the quantity of calcium by mass, and the hydroxyapatite content. Preparation is straightforward: a light breakfast is recommended on the examination day, normal fluid intake is maintained, alcohol should be avoided, and any previous cardiovascular diagnostic records or treatment history should be brought to the appointment. Standard medications can generally be taken as usual since no contrast agent is administered. Booking is via Doctolib or by calling the practice directly.