Learn how a coronary calcium score test helps detect heart disease risk in women, what your score means, and when to talk to your doctor.
Updated May 13, 2026
Contributed by: Ashish Aneja, MD / Heart & Vascular
Coronary Calcium Score Test: What Women Need to Know About Heart Risk
What Is a Coronary Calcium Score Test?
A coronary calcium score screening heart test (coronary calcium scan) uses a special X-ray (a CT scan) to show calcium build-up in the arteries. That build-up, in turn, could indicate the presence of cholesterol-rich plaque that can cause blockages.
The results of the test are scored to indicate your risk for a future heart attack. The higher the score, the higher your risk.
“The great thing about this test is that it shows what has been going on with your vessels. It doesn’t matter what your cholesterol level or other risk factor status is, if you’re making plaque, it will show up on your scan eventually,” says MetroHealth cardiologist Ashish Aneja, MD. “The scan is good at ruling out cardiovascular disease.”
Why Heart Risk Increases After Menopause
Once a woman goes into menopause, her risk of heart disease goes up significantly and calcium scores in the heart arteries can also increase. If you have risk factors for heart disease and you are at borderline to intermediate risk for a cardiovascular event (and some women considered at low risk) you may want to get this test to better understand your risk.
Who Should Consider This Heart Scan?
To better understand your risk for heart disease and whether a coronary calcium score screening is right for you, talk with your primary care provider. If you have one or more of the following risk factors, your provider may order a scan.
- Current or former smoker
- Diabetes
- Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriasis, HIV and chronic hepatitis
- Early menopause
- Family history of heart disease
- Gestational diabetes or preeclampsia during pregnancy
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- History of anxiety or depression
- Obesity
Before the scan, a technician attaches electrodes to the chest. The electrodes are connected to a machine that takes continuous X-ray photos in between heart beats.
The actual scan itself takes about 30 seconds.
Your doctor will go over the results of your scan and, if needed, will refer you to a cardiologist for further evaluation.
Understanding Your Calcium Score Results
- Score of zero (no calcium detected): The likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease is low; your doctor may recommend a repeat scan in 3-5 years.
- Score above zero: May qualify you for a statin (a class of drugs used to lower cholesterol levels) depending on your risk factors.
- Score above 100: Your doctor may suggest taking a low dose aspirin and a statin every day.
- Score above 300: Your doctor may strongly recommend taking a low dose aspirin and a statin every day.
Once you begin taking a statin, a repeat calcium score is not recommended.
What Happens After Your Results?
Your Questions Answered
Q. What does a coronary calcium score test show?
A. This test shows if there is calcium buildup in your heart arteries. Calcium can be a sign of plaque, which may raise your risk for a heart attack.
Q. Who should get a coronary calcium scan?
A. This test may help people who have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. It is often used when your risk is not clear.
Q. What do the test results mean?
A. A score of zero means low risk. Higher scores mean more calcium and a higher chance of heart disease. Your doctor will explain your results and next steps, if needed.
To connect with a Women’s Health Team provider about protecting your heart or to request an appointment, call 216‑778‑4444, schedule through MyChart, or fill out the form below. To learn more about Women’s Health at MetroHealth, visit metrohealth.org/obgyn.
