HeartCLEAR™ Calcium Score Testing
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in America, but many people don't understand their risk. A 15-minute, non-invasive heart scan could save your life.
HeartCLEAR™ is a simple way to detect heart disease early, before symptoms begin.
What is a Calcium Score Test?
Calcium builds up in the form of plaque in the artery walls that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This plaque narrows the inside of the arteries, which can restrict blood flow. The amount of calcium detected on a CT scan relates to the total amount of plaque in the arteries.
Higher calcium scores indicate a greater risk for heart attack and other heart disease events in the future. The test is meant to assess heart disease risk rather than diagnose heart disease itself.
Am I a Candidate for Calcium Score Testing?
Your cardiologist will carefully evaluate your medical history, risk factors, symptoms (if any), and overall health to determine whether you should get calcium score testing done.
You may benefit from a calcium score test if:
- You're a man age 45+ or a woman age 55+
- You have high blood pressure
- You have high cholesterol
- You have diabetes or pre-diabetes
- You're overweight or don't exercise regularly
- You smoke or used to smoke
- You live a high-stress lifestyle
- You have a family history of heart disease
- You've never had a heart screening
How To Prepare for a Calcium Score Test
Preparing for a coronary artery calcium scan is relatively straightforward and should not impose significant disruptions to your daily routine. Here are some simple guidelines you can follow in preparation for your calcium score screening:
- No fasting needed
You can eat normally before the test and take medications as prescribed. - Wear comfortable clothes
Dress comfortably in clothes without metal snaps, buttons or zippers that could interfere with imaging. - List medications
Be sure to inform your cardiovascular team about any medical conditions you have and medications or supplements you take. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medication, herbs and vitamins. - Arrive early
Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early to complete any check-in paperwork.
Understanding Calcium Score Test Results
Your calcium score from a coronary artery calcium scan reflects the extent of plaque buildup and your heart disease risk. Your cardiologist will review your calcium score along with your overall health and medical history to determine personalized steps for heart disease prevention and management.
- Score: 0
No visible calcium. This means your risk is low. Keep living heart-healthy and consider retesting in 5–10 years.
- Score: 1–99
A small amount of plaque is present. This may indicate early risk. Lifestyle changes are key, and your doctor may recommend starting statin therapy.
- Score: 100–299
Moderate plaque buildup indicates a higher risk. Your provider may suggest additional testing, medications, and closer monitoring.
- Score: 300+
Significant plaque is present, which puts you at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Medications like statins and aspirin, advanced testing and a more active prevention plan may be needed.
Why HeartCLEAR™ Calcium Scoring Is Important
1 in 5 heart attacks occur without any symptoms, and 50% of people who die from heart disease had no prior diagnosis. Most traditional checkups don’t detect calcified plaque. A CAC scan can uncover risks years before problems begin.
You can’t manage an illness if you don’t know you have it. HeartCLEAR™ gives you the answers early.
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Get To Know Our Cardiologists
When it comes to your heart, experience matters. Our team has been serving families across Chicago for decades, providing trusted, expert cardiovascular care close to home.
With HeartCLEAR™, we make it easy to take control of your heart health before symptoms start.