Interactive tool
The Diagnostic Ladder
Each level answers a different question. Walk from anatomy (what the artery looks like) toward physiology (what the heart is actually doing).
Use the left and right arrow keys to move between levels when the step list is focused.
Level 1 of 5 · Measures anatomy
Coronary Artery Calcium Score
- The question it answers
- Is calcified coronary plaque present, and how extensive is it?
- What it adds
- A quick, non-contrast CT that scores calcified plaque burden and places you in a percentile for your age and sex.
- What it cannot tell you
- It cannot see soft (non-calcified) plaque, the degree of narrowing, or whether blood flow is limited. A high score is an alarm, not a verdict.
- Typical cost$100–$200
- RadiationVery low
- ContrastNone
Costs and ranges shown are illustrative and vary by region, facility, and insurance.
The ladder is a decision framework, not a checklist. Many patients will not need every step, and symptoms or acute findings may require a faster route to invasive evaluation. The purpose is to show that each test answers a different question, and that no single test tells the whole story.
heartCEO.ai is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician about your health and before making any medical decision. Seek urgent care for acute symptoms.
Bring it to your appointment.
Better questions to raise with your physician are on the Approach page.
heartCEO.ai is for informational and educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified physician about your health and before making any medical decision. Seek urgent care for acute symptoms.