CTA vs Calcium Score (CAC): What’s the Difference?

If your doctor mentioned a calcium score or CTA, you might be wondering which test you really need. While both are used to check heart health, they are not the same. A calcium score measures the amount of calcium in your arteries, while a CTA gives a detailed view of blood flow and blockages. Knowing the difference helps you make the right choice for your heart and overall health.

What Are CTA and Calcium Score Tests?

Heart disease is one of the leading health problems worldwide. Modern imaging tests like CTA (Coronary CT Angiography) and Calcium Score (CAC) scans help doctors detect risks early. Although they sound similar, each has its own role.

Calcium Score (CAC) Test 

A calcium score test is a quick and non-invasive CT scan.

• It does not use contrast dye.
  
  
• It measures hardened calcium deposits (plaque) inside the coronary arteries.
  
  
• The result is given as a number called the calcium score. A higher score means more calcium buildup and higher risk of heart disease.
  
  
• The test is low cost and often takes only 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  

Doctors often compare the results with a calcium score chart by age. For example, a calcium score of 0 usually means no calcified plaque, while a higher number indicates moderate or high risk.

CTA (Coronary CT Angiography)

A CTA provides much more detail than a calcium score test.

• It uses a CT scanner along with contrast dye to make the arteries visible.
  
  
• Unlike the calcium score, CTA can show both hardened calcium and soft plaque that has not yet calcified.
  
  
• It allows doctors to see whether there is narrowing or blockage inside the arteries.
  
  
• The test is often recommended if you already have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal stress test results.
  
  

CTA vs Calcium Score – Differences

While both tests focus on the heart, their purpose and results are different.

• Imaging focus:
  
  
  • Calcium Score = detects hardened plaque.
    
    
  • CTA = detects hardened and soft plaque, blockages, and narrowing.
    
    
• Accuracy:
  
  
  • Calcium score gives a risk estimate.
    
    
  • CTA provides a diagnostic picture that shows whether intervention is needed.
    
    
• Radiation exposure:
  
  
  • Both involve radiation, but doses differ. CAC usually has slightly lower exposure compared to CTA.
    
    
• Use cases:
  
  
  • Calcium score is often used for preventive screening in people without symptoms.
    
    
  • CTA is used when there are symptoms or a strong suspicion of coronary artery disease.
    
    
• Cost comparison:
  
  
  • Calcium Score = cheaper, often starting from AED 400.
    
    
  • CTA = more costly because of contrast use and detailed imaging, ranging from AED 2500 to 4000.
    
    

CTA and Calcium Score by Age and Risk

The need for CTA or CAC depends on age, risk factors, and symptoms.

• Calcium Score by Age:
  
  
  • Younger people (under 40) often have a score of 0 unless they have strong risk factors.
    
    
  • By age 60, it is common to see some calcium deposits.
    
    
  • By age 70, higher calcium scores are typical, but the exact risk depends on other health conditions.
    
    
• CTA use: CTA is more valuable for people with chest pain, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of early heart disease.
  
  
• Who should avoid CTA:
  
  
  • People with kidney problems (since contrast dye can affect kidney function).
    
    
  • Patients with contrast dye allergies.
    
    
  • Pregnant women due to radiation exposure.
    
    

When Is CTA Better Than Calcium Score?

CTA is more effective when a detailed picture is needed. Doctors may prefer CTA in the following cases:

1. To detect soft plaque that is not visible in a calcium score.
   
   
2. To check for artery narrowing or blockages that may require treatment.
   
   
3. For patients with chest pain, shortness of breath, or abnormal test results.
   
   
4. To monitor patients who already have stents or bypass surgery.

Concerned about blocked arteries? Learn more in our guide on CT Angiogram for Blocked Artery Diagnosis.

When Is Calcium Score Enough?

A calcium score test is often enough in situations where risk needs to be assessed but there are no symptoms.

1. It is useful for preventive screening in people who want to know their heart health status.
   
   
2. It helps with early detection of risk factors in patients with a family history of heart disease.
   
   
3. It is a cost-effective first step before more advanced imaging like CTA.
   
   

Risks, Safety, and Preparation

Both tests are safe when performed under medical supervision, but there are a few considerations.

• Radiation comparison:
  
  
  • Calcium Score = lower dose.
    
    
  • CTA = higher dose but still within safe medical limits.
    
    
• Contrast dye safety:
  
  
  • Calcium Score does not use contrast.
    
    
  • CTA uses contrast dye, which may not be safe for people with kidney disease. Doctors often do a kidney function test before recommending CTA.
    
    
• How to prepare for Calcium Score:
  
  
  • Usually no special preparation.
    
    
  • Avoid caffeine or smoking before the test.
    
    
• How to prepare for CTA:
  
  
  • Fasting for 4 to 6 hours may be required.
    
    
  • Kidney function may need to be checked.
    
    
  • Beta-blocker medicine may sometimes be given to slow the heart rate for clearer images.
    
    

Cost of CTA vs Calcium Score in Dubai and UAE

Costs vary across hospitals and clinics in the UAE.

1. Calcium Score: AED 400 to 800 depending on the hospital.
   
   
2. CTA: AED 2500 to 4000, depending on facilities and expertise.
   
   
3. Some hospitals such as Amax Healthcare provide competitive pricing for CT Coronary Angiograms starting from AED 2450, including contrast imaging.
   
   
4. Insurance coverage: Calcium score is often not covered since it is considered preventive. CTA may be covered if a doctor recommends it based on symptoms.
   
   

Life Expectancy and Treatment After High Calcium Score

A high calcium score means more calcium in the arteries, which increases the risk of heart attack and other heart diseases.

• Life expectancy with high calcium score: It does not predict exact years of life, but it shows higher risk.
  
  
• Can lifestyle changes reduce calcium score? Calcium already present cannot be removed, but lifestyle improvements and medicines can slow down or stop further buildup.
  
  
• Treatment options after a high calcium score or CTA findings include:
  
  
  • Statins and cholesterol-lowering medicines.
    
    
  • Blood pressure control.
    
    
  • Angioplasty or bypass if severe narrowing is seen in CTA.
    
    
  • Lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and quitting smoking.
    
    

Want to prevent heart disease early? Discover the benefits of Calcium Score Testing for Heart Disease Prevention.

CTA vs Calcium Score , Which Test Should You Choose?

Deciding between the two depends on your health, symptoms, and doctor’s advice.

• If you are healthy but want to check risk, a calcium score is usually enough.
  
  
• If you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, a CTA is more suitable.
  
  
• If cost is a concern, start with calcium score and proceed to CTA only if needed.
  
  
• CTA is diagnostic, while CAC is a screening tool. Sometimes both tests are used together for the best results.
  
  

Looking for advanced diagnostic options? Explore how CT Angiography is Revolutionizing Heart Disease Diagnosis.

Making the Right Choice for Your Heart

Both CTA and calcium score play important roles in heart care. The calcium score is best for preventive screening, while CTA provides a detailed view when symptoms or risks are present. Costs, risks, and preparation are different, so it is important to follow your doctor’s advice. Investing in the right test can protect your heart, prevent complications, and give you peace of mind about your long-term health.

Your Trusted Choice for CTA and Calcium Score Testing in the UAE

Understanding the difference between CTA and Calcium Score is the first step toward protecting your heart health. The next step is making sure you get the right test, at the right place, with the right experts. That’s where Amax comes in. Amax helps you access personalized, reliable, and affordable healthcare services in the UAE by arranging your CTA or Calcium Score appointment with leading hospitals and diagnostic centers. Their focus is on quality, convenience, and your peace of mind, ensuring that you get the care you need without the stress of searching on your own.

👉 Book your CTA or Calcium Score test today through Amax and take control of your heart health with confidence.

FAQs

What is the difference between CTA and Calcium Score?
CTA shows detailed images of arteries, while calcium score measures calcium deposits only.

Which is better: CTA or Calcium Score?
Neither is always better. CAC is for screening; CTA is for diagnosis.

Is CTA more accurate than calcium scoring?
Yes, CTA detects both soft and hard plaque, while CAC only detects calcium.

Can calcium scoring alone diagnose heart disease?
No, it shows risk but does not diagnose blockages.

Does CTA detect soft plaque that calcium scoring misses?
Yes, CTA can show soft plaque and narrowing.

Which has more radiation: CTA or Calcium Score?
CTA usually has slightly more radiation.

Is calcium scoring cheaper than CTA?
Yes, calcium scoring is much cheaper.

What conditions require a CTA instead of CAC?
Symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, or suspected artery blockages.

Is contrast dye in CTA safe for kidneys?
It can affect kidneys, so tests are done beforehand.

How much does a CTA scan cost compared to calcium score in Dubai?
CTA costs around AED 2500 to 4000, while calcium score costs AED 400 to 800.

Can a calcium score predict heart attack risk?
Yes, a higher score means higher risk, but it cannot predict the exact timing.

What is the life expectancy with a high calcium score?
It varies, but higher scores mean greater heart disease risk.

How do you prepare for a CT calcium score test?
Avoid caffeine and smoking before the test.

Is a calcium score test done with contrast?
No, it does not use contrast.

What is a normal calcium score by age?
A score of 0 is normal at any age, but some calcium is more common as age increases.