Agatston Calcium Score (CT) Calculator
- Agatston Calcium Score (CT): Explanation and Clinical Context
The Agatston Score is a quantitative measure of coronary artery calcium (CAC) obtained from non-contrast CT scans.
It is calculated by multiplying the area of each calcified lesion by a density factor derived from the peak Hounsfield Unit (HU) within that lesion.
The sum of all lesions' scores gives the total Agatston Score.
Higher scores correlate with greater atherosclerotic burden and increased risk of future cardiovascular events.
Clinical interpretation often categorizes risk as follows: 0 = very low risk, 1–10 = minimal risk, 11–100 = mild risk, 101–400 = moderate risk, >400 = severe risk.
This scoring system is widely used for cardiovascular risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals and guides preventive therapy decisions.
Reference:
Agatston AS, Janowitz WR, Hildner FJ, Zusmer NR, Viamonte M Jr, Detrano R. Quantification of coronary artery calcium using ultrafast computed tomography. J Am Coll Cardiol. 1990;15:827-832. doi:10.1016/0735-1097(90)90282-T
Discussion
No discussions yet. Be the first to comment.
Create Note
Notes are stored privately on your device only. No login required. Nothing is uploaded or shared.