Before you pursue a calcium scan, your doctor will estimate how likely you are to get heart disease based on certain risk factors. These include:
Your age.
Your blood pressure.
Your cholesterol level.
Your family history.
Your gender.
Whether you smoke.
Your doctor will determine if a coronary calcium scan is the right test for you based on these risk factors.
People who are very low risk are unlikely to have calcium score findings that lead to treatment.
People who are very high risk may need treatment for coronary artery disease regardless, and may need more complex coronary artery testing.