Calcified plaque is atherosclerotic buildup that is accumulated over a period of time in the coronary blood vessels. Image used for representational purposes only
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Recently, the Advanced Master Health Checkup centre of the Tamil Nadu Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital (TNGMSSH) in Chennai, introduced CT Calcium Scoring as a part of its preventive health check-ups. Behind this move was a year-long analysis of investigations that found calcified plaque in the coronary arteries of many middle-aged persons, prompting the T.N. Health Department to introduce this non-invasive test for cardiac risk assessments.
J. Cecily Mary Majella, professor and head, department of cardiology, and senior interventional cardiologist, TNGMSSH, said the CT Coronary Calcium Score is a simple and non-invasive CT scan that measures the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries to estimate a person’s risk of coronary artery disease. Calcified plaque is atherosclerotic buildup that is accumulated over a period of time in the coronary blood vessels.
How the test works
“One of the main advantages is that we do not use contrast for the screening. Individuals aged over 30 can be screened. However, the CT coronary calcium score should be clinically correlated. So, persons should be referred to a cardiologist for assessment of symptoms, ECG or ECHO, or if necessary a Treadmill Test. While a score of zero means that there is no need for worry, a score of within 100 is considered to be mild, and a score ranging from 100 to 400 is moderate. A score above 400 is considered high, and such persons might have obstructive coronary artery disease, and may need an invasive coronary angiogram if advised by the cardiologist,” she explained.
K. Kannan, director, institute of cardiology, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, said that calcium in plaque is an index of the amount of atherosclerosis burden in the artery. “Persons with an intermediate risk for cardiac diseases can undergo CT Calcium Scoring. However, the score should not be analysed in isolation. It will yield better results when risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension and cholesterol levels are taken into consideration. Also, it will be of no use in acute settings. As far as therapeutics is concerned, a high score of above 400 means strict control and lifestyle modifications along with high intensity therapy with statins,” he added.
This is a rapid test, and the entire screening can be done in five minutes. “So, less radiation and less time are key advantages. But patient selection is key,” Dr. Kannan said.
Also Read: Everything you need to know about: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Who needs the screening
Dr. Majella said: “It is important to decide who needs to undergo the screening, and this is why patient selection is key. It is not meant for pregnant women, and for patients with acute coronary syndromes such as STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction), NSTEMI (Non-ST Elevation MI) and unstable angina. Those with atypical chest pain with co-morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or a family history of cardiac disease can get screened. If they have typical anginal symptoms, it is better to go for an invasive coronary angiogram,” she said.
She added that this was a good screening tool but needs to be correlated clinically. When the score is high, the risk of coronary artery disease is high. “However, it is very important to know that it will not pick up soft or vulnerable plaques,” she noted.
Published – November 11, 2025 12:26 pm IST
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