What is it for and when is it indicated?

Coronary tomography with calcium score This is an increasingly popular test to assess the risk of heart disease. This is a quick, non-invasive method that measures the amount of calcium present in the coronary arteries, helping to estimate the likelihood of future cardiac events. In 2025, this examination is considered an important tool, particularly in prevention, even before the appearance of more serious symptoms.

When analyzing the coronary calcium scoreDoctors can categorize cardiovascular risk from very low to very high. This information is useful for adjusting treatment, such as the use of cholesterol medications, blood pressure medications, and more intense lifestyle changes. Thus, tomography with calcium score ends up serving as an early warning about the health of the heart arteries.

What is coronary tomography with calcium score?

Coronary tomography with calcium scoring is an imaging test performed on a computerized tomography machine, without the use of catheters. The equipment captures detailed images of the heart and calculates a number, called Bookmakerswhich represents the amount of calcified plaques in the coronary arteries. The higher this number, the greater the risk of obstruction and, consequently, heart attack or angina.

In practice, the patient lies down on a stretcher, is instructed to hold his or her breath for a few seconds, and the exam is completed within a few minutes. Generally, iodized contrast material is not used in this specific type of calcium scoring, which reduces the risks related to allergies and kidney problems. This aspect differentiates the calcium score from other coronary tomograms which require contrast for detailed analysis of the arteries.

What are the main benefits of the coronary calcium score?

Among the most cited advantages of coronary tomography with calcium scorethe ability to identify the presence of atherosclerosis early, even in asymptomatic individuals, stands out. This allows for more precise prevention planning. Patients with a high score may receive more rigorous counseling on diet, physical activity, cholesterol control, blood pressure and, when indicated, the use of specific medications.

Another important point is that the test helps refine the assessment of cardiovascular risk in people who are in an intermediate range, such as middle-aged people with moderate risk factors. Instead of making decisions based solely on age, cholesterol and family history, the doctor now has objective data on the presence of coronary calcifications. In some cases, a calcium score of zero can prevent unnecessary long-term medication use, provided there are no other high risk factors.

• Quick review: It lasts a few minutes and does not require hospitalization.
• Non-invasive: does not use catheters or surgical procedures.
• No contrast in most cases: lower risk of allergies and kidney overload.
• Helps stratify risk: guides decisions regarding prevention and treatment.
• Help with treatment compliance: Many patients understand the risk better by viewing the numerical result.

What are the disadvantages and limitations of this tomography?

Despite its benefits, coronary tomography with calcium score also presents negative points that must be considered. The first of these is exposure to ionizing radiation. Although the dose is relatively low in modern equipment, it is an examination that should not be repeated without indication, especially in younger people. For this reason, many protocols suggest more frequent use in people aged 40 or 45, depending on their clinical profile.

Another important limitation is that the calcium score does not evaluate non-calcified plaqueswhich can also cause obstruction. In younger people, part of the plaque may still be predominantly fatty, with no calcification visible on examination. Thus, a low or zero score does not mean a total absence of risk, particularly in smokers, diabetics or those with a strong family history of early coronary heart disease.

• Radiation: use of X-rays, with a low but existing dose.
• Does not detect all cards: focuses only on calcifications.
• Does not replace other exams: ECG, exercise tests and laboratory tests are still necessary.
• Possibility of chance discoveries: changes may appear in the lungs or other organs that require further testing.
• Cost: may not be available through all utilities or health plans.

How much does a coronary tomography examination with calcium score cost in 2025?

THE coronary calcium score test price varies depending on the city, type of service and structure of the diagnostic center. In 2025, in the major Brazilian capitals, the value of private clinics tends to be in an approximate range of R$400.00 to R$1,200.00. In referral establishments or large hospitals, the cost may be higher, especially when the examination is associated with other cardiological examinations.

Health plans cover, in some cases, coronary tomography with calcium scoreprovided that there is a medical indication recorded in a formal request. In the Unified Health System (SUS), availability is still uneven, varying according to region and the supply of suitable CT scanners. Therefore, many patients turn to the private network when they want to take the exam more quickly, particularly as part of a cardiovascular check-up.

1. Ask a cardiologist or clinician for advice before scheduling the test.
2. Check if the health plan covers the calcium score.
3. Compare values ​​between different clinics and hospitals.
4. Confirm the type of tomograph used and whether or not contrast is necessary.
5. Evaluate, with your doctor, the appropriate frequency to repeat the exam, if necessary.

When can the calcium score be most useful?

The use of coronary tomography with calcium score is particularly considered in people who are asymptomatic, but have intermediate risk factors, such as altered cholesterol, hypertension, family history and excess weight. In very young individuals, without important factors, the benefit tends to be less. In people with typical complaints of chest pain, additional tests are often needed to assess not only calcium, but also the degree of blockage in the arteries.

In everyday life, the examination proves to be an additional tool to support shared decisions between doctor and patient regarding lifestyle changes and the use of preventive medications. When well indicated, the calcium score contributes to more targeted monitoring, making it possible to prioritize those who really need more intense interventions, without replacing the complete clinical assessment and other available cardiological examinations.