Calcium Heart Score Interpretation: What a Primary Care Physician in Georgetown TX Wants You to Know
- Dr. Mohammad Al Darawsha MD
- Jun 5, 2025
- 3 min read
What Is a Calcium Heart Score?
A calcium heart score, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, is a non-invasive CT scan that checks for hardened calcium in the walls of your heart arteries. It gives your doctor a clearer picture of your risk for heart disease, even if you have no symptoms yet.
If you’re between 40 and 75 years old and have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart issues, this test could be a powerful early warning tool. Many primary care physicians in Georgetown TX are using this test more frequently to guide prevention strategies before a heart problem arises.
Why Does Calcium Matter?
Calcium in your coronary arteries means plaque buildup—a key part of atherosclerosis. While a small amount of soft plaque may not show up, calcified plaque means your body has been dealing with inflammation or injury in the arteries for a while. Left untreated, this can lead to heart attacks, angina, or other cardiovascular problems.
Calcium Heart Score Interpretation: What the Numbers Mean
Score Range | What It Means | Heart Risk |
0 | No calcium | Very low risk |
1–99 | Mild calcium buildup | Low risk |
100–399 | Moderate buildup | Moderate to high risk |
400+ | Significant calcium | High risk — aggressive prevention needed |
These numbers are called the Agatston Score, and they help your provider decide what comes next.
What to Do With the Results
Score of 0You’re doing great! Stick to a healthy diet, stay active, and continue seeing your primary care physician regularly. You likely don’t need any medications right now.
Score of 1–99Mild plaque is present. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, and in some cases, starting statin medication to slow the progression.
Score of 100–399This suggests more significant risk. Your internal medicine doctor near you will likely suggest cholesterol treatment, stronger diet and exercise plans, and possibly aspirin therapy.
Score of 400+You’re at a high risk for heart disease. Further evaluation, close monitoring, and aggressive risk management are typically needed—including medications, cardiac referral, or stress testing in some cases.
Lifestyle Tips to Reduce Heart Disease Risk from your Primary Care Physician in Georgetown TX at Wellness Bay
🥗 Eat a heart-healthy diet: more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein
🏃♂️ Be physically active: at least 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise
🚭 Quit smoking if you smoke, and avoid secondhand smoke
🧘♂️ Manage stress with hobbies, therapy, or meditation
😴 Sleep 7–8 hours every night
🩺 Monitor blood pressure, sugar, and cholesterol with regular checkups at a family medical clinic near you
Top 10 FAQs About Calcium Heart Score Interpretation
❓ 1. What is a calcium heart score used for?
It helps identify early heart disease risk—even before you have symptoms. Your primary care provider uses it to guide prevention and treatment decisions.
❓ 2. If my score is 0, am I in the clear?
A score of 0 is excellent, but not a free pass. Keep up your healthy habits and regular follow-ups with your primary care doctor in Georgetown TX.
❓ 3. Can I lower my calcium score?
The score itself won’t decrease, but you can prevent further plaque buildup with lifestyle changes and medications.
❓ 4. Who should get this test?
Adults aged 40–75 with intermediate heart risk (based on cholesterol, blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking history) are ideal candidates.
❓ 5. How long does the test take?
Only about 10 minutes. It’s a quick, painless scan with no needles or contrast dye.
❓ 6. Does insurance cover it?
Some insurances do, but many don’t. It usually costs $100–$150 out of pocket. Your primary care clinic can give you details.
❓ 7. What does a high calcium score mean?
It means you likely have coronary artery disease, even if you feel fine. It’s a sign to take action—not panic, but prevent.
❓ 8. Will I need more tests if my score is high?
Your doctor may order more tests like a stress test or cardiac imaging to see how your heart is functioning.
❓ 9. Should I see a cardiologist?
Not always. Most patients can be managed by their primary care physician, unless more advanced care is needed.
❓ 10. Is this test safe?
Yes. The radiation is very low—about the same as a mammogram—and far less than other CT scans.
When to See a Doctor
If you’re over 40 with any of the following, it’s worth discussing a calcium heart score with your doctor:
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Diabetes or prediabetes
Smoking (current or past)
Family history of early heart disease
Your family doctor in Georgetown TX can help you understand your risk and whether the test is right for you.
