A coronary CT angiogram is a 30-minute scan that shows the inside of your heart's arteries in detail. Unlike a calcium score (which only sees calcified plaque), a CT angiogram shows soft plaque, calcified plaque, and narrowing. It answers the question: what's actually in my arteries?
What it shows
- Soft (non-calcified) plaque: the unstable kind that can rupture and cause heart attacks.
- Calcified plaque: older, more stable plaque.
- Degree of narrowing (stenosis): how blocked the arteries are.
- Full artery anatomy: where the plaque is located.
A calcium score only sees calcified plaque. A CT angiogram sees everything. That's why it's the next step when a calcium score is high or when you need a clearer picture.
Who should get one
- Calcium score of 100+ (or high for your age).
- Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or exercise intolerance.
- High Lp(a) with calcium score of zero (to check for soft plaque).
- Family history of early heart disease and you want a definitive answer.
- Your doctor wants to rule out blockages before recommending treatment.
How it works
You lie on a table that slides through a CT scanner. Contrast dye is injected through an IV to make your arteries visible. The scan takes about 10 minutes. Total appointment time is about 30 minutes.
You may be given a beta-blocker to slow your heart rate for clearer images. Avoid caffeine for 12 hours before.
Cost
Cash price: $500–$1,500 depending on location. Insurance often covers it if you have symptoms or a high calcium score. Some imaging centers offer self-pay packages.
What the results mean
| Finding | What it means | Next steps |
|---|---|---|
| No plaque | Clean arteries | Recheck in 5–10 years |
| Minimal plaque, no narrowing | Early disease, no blockage | Lifestyle + medication to stop progression |
| Moderate plaque, <50% stenosis | Real plaque, not yet blocking flow | Aggressive treatment, close monitoring |
| Significant stenosis (50–70%) | Flow may be affected | Stress test or functional assessment |
| Severe stenosis (>70%) | Likely blocking flow | Consider intervention (stent or surgery) |
Calcium score vs CT angiogram
| Calcium score | CT angiogram | |
|---|---|---|
| What it shows | Calcified plaque only | All plaque + narrowing |
| Contrast dye | No | Yes |
| Time | 10 min | 30 min |
| Cost | $75–$200 | $500–$1,500 |
| Best for | Initial screening | Detailed assessment |
Start with a calcium score for screening. If it's high, or you have symptoms or high-risk factors, a CT angiogram gives you the full picture.
The bottom line
A CT angiogram answers the question other tests can't: is there plaque in my arteries, and how bad is it? If you need a definitive answer about your heart's arteries, this is the test.
Confidence in your heart health
A CT angiogram heart scan that gives you the full picture of your arteries, giving you clarity and the power to act early. Reserve your spot today.