The CT calcium score test is a specialised form of X-ray examination that checks for calcium deposits in your heart’s blood vessels. These deposits are a sign of plaque build-up, which can narrow your arteries and increase the risk of heart disease.

You will get a score that tells you how much calcium is in your the arteries of your heart. It’s important to note that a score of zero doesn’t necessarily mean you have no plaque. You could still have soft or non-calcified plaque that the test doesn’t pick up. If your score is low, it’s a good sign that you have less calcified plaque and a lower risk of heart issues. But if your score is high, it suggests more calcified plaque, which is associated with a higher risk. Think of it as a way to peek into your heart’s health by measuring the amount of calcium in your arteries, which can help you and your doctor assess your risk of heart disease, with the understanding that it may not detect all types of plaque.