Understanding Your Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score and Cardiovascular Risk
The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score is a non-invasive measurement obtained through a special type of CT scan that detects and quantifies calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to your heart muscle. Calcified plaque is a sign of atherosclerosis, the hardening and narrowing of arteries, which is a primary contributor to heart disease.
How the CAC Score is Determined
The CAC score itself is a number representing the total amount of calcium found in the coronary arteries. A higher score indicates more plaque and a greater likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. However, interpreting the raw CAC score requires context. This calculator uses a widely accepted risk prediction model (like the Framingham Risk Score, adapted for CAC insights) that incorporates your CAC score with other key cardiovascular risk factors to estimate your 10-year risk of experiencing a major cardiovascular event (such as a heart attack or stroke).
Factors Used in This Calculator:
Age: Risk increases with age.
Gender: Historically, men have had a higher risk, though this gap narrows with age.
Systolic Blood Pressure: Higher blood pressure strains the heart and arteries.
Diastolic Blood Pressure: Contributes to overall blood pressure load.
Total Cholesterol: High levels can contribute to plaque buildup.
HDL Cholesterol: "Good" cholesterol; higher levels are protective.
Diabetes Status: Diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease.
CAC Score (Implicitly Calculated): While not an input here, the underlying risk models are informed by the understanding that a higher CAC score generally correlates with higher risk. This calculator provides a generalized risk estimate based on common risk factors, often used in conjunction with or as a preliminary step before a CAC scan is considered. For precise risk based on an actual CAC scan, consult your physician.
Interpreting Your Estimated 10-Year Risk:
The result provides an estimated percentage chance of experiencing a cardiovascular event within the next 10 years. General guidelines for interpretation include:
Low Risk (<5%): Generally considered favorable.
Intermediate Risk (5% – 20%): May warrant further discussion with your doctor about potential interventions or lifestyle changes.
High Risk (>20%): Indicates a significantly elevated risk, making lifestyle modifications and potentially medical treatments highly advisable.
Important Disclaimer:
This calculator provides an *estimation* based on widely used risk factors and statistical models. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. The actual presence and extent of coronary artery calcium can only be determined by a CAC scan. Your individual risk may vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment, and personalized medical advice regarding your cardiovascular health.
function calculateCalciumScore() {
var age = parseFloat(document.getElementById("age").value);
var gender = document.getElementById("gender").value;
var smokingStatus = document.getElementById("smokingStatus").value;
var systolicBP = parseFloat(document.getElementById("systolicBloodPressure").value);
var diastolicBP = parseFloat(document.getElementById("diastolicBloodPressure").value);
var totalChol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("cholesterolTotal").value);
var hdlChol = parseFloat(document.getElementById("cholesterolHdl").value);
var isDiabetic = document.getElementById("isDiabetic").value;
var isValid = true;
var inputs = [age, systolicBP, diastolicBP, totalChol, hdlChol];
for (var i = 0; i < inputs.length; i++) {
if (isNaN(inputs[i]) || inputs[i] 4.5) {
riskScore += 2;
}
if (totalChol > 240) {
riskScore += 1.5;
} else if (totalChol < 200) {
riskScore -= 1; // Lower total cholesterol can be protective
}
// Diabetes factor
if (isDiabetic === "yes") {
riskScore += 2.5;
}
// Map the raw risk score to a percentage (this is highly simplified)
// Real models use logistic regression to convert score to probability.
// We'll use a sigmoid-like curve approximation for demonstration.
var estimatedRiskPercentage = 100 / (1 + Math.exp(-(riskScore – 30) / 5)); // Arbitrary scaling for example
// Cap the percentage at a reasonable value (e.g., 95%)
estimatedRiskPercentage = Math.min(estimatedRiskPercentage, 95);
var resultDiv = document.getElementById("result");
var riskPercentageSpan = document.getElementById("riskPercentage");
var riskCategoryP = document.getElementById("riskCategory");
riskPercentageSpan.textContent = estimatedRiskPercentage.toFixed(1) + "%";
var category = "";
if (estimatedRiskPercentage = 5 && estimatedRiskPercentage <= 20) {
category = "Intermediate Risk";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#ffc107"; // Amber/Yellow for intermediate
} else {
category = "High Risk";
resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = "#dc3545"; // Red for high risk
}
riskCategoryP.textContent = category;
resultDiv.style.display = "block";
}