Coronary calcium score is a numerical measure of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries obtained through a noninvasive CT scan. The higher the score, the greater the burden of atherosclerosis and the higher the risk of future coronary events compared with peers. Scores of zero suggest very low short-term risk, while elevated scores"especially above 100 or 400"indicate significant plaque and potential need for aggressive risk-factor management. Calcium scoring complements, but does not replace, clinical risk assessments and can reveal subclinical disease in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.

Underwriters increasingly consider coronary calcium scores when evaluating cardiac risk, especially for older applicants with ambiguous risk profiles. A score of zero can support better offers in borderline cases, while very high scores may trigger additional requirements or ratings even without prior events. Advisors ask clients about calcium scoring during health histories and encourage them to share reports for a more nuanced assessment. Understanding coronary calcium scores allows advisors to frame test results in underwriting conversations and to explain why a high score can influence risk class even without overt heart disease symptoms.