Introduction
Calcium scoring is a non-invasive way to assess your risk for heart disease. It measures the amount of calcium in your arteries, which can indicate the presence of plaque buildup. As we age, our risk for heart disease increases, and understanding your calcium score can help you take steps to reduce that risk. In this article, we’ll dive into the average calcium scores by age and gender.
What is a Calcium Score?
A calcium score is a measure of the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. A CT scan is used to create images of your heart and arteries, and a computer program calculates your calcium score based on the amount of calcium detected in the images. The higher your calcium score, the greater your risk for heart disease.
Average Calcium Scores by Age and Gender
The average calcium score for men and women increases with age. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the average calcium score for men aged 45-54 is 52.5, while the average score for women in the same age group is 23.5. For men aged 55-64, the average score jumps to 98.7, while the average score for women in that age group is 54.3. By age 75, the average calcium score for men is 257.8, while the average score for women is 175.6.
Why Do Men Have Higher Calcium Scores?
Men tend to have higher calcium scores than women, even when adjusting for risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure. This may be due to differences in the way men and women deposit calcium in their arteries. Men may also have a higher prevalence of risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol and diabetes.
What Can You Do to Reduce Your Risk?
If you have a high calcium score, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for heart disease. These include:
- Quitting smoking
- Lowering your blood pressure
- Managing your cholesterol levels
- Losing weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
Conclusion
Knowing your calcium score can be an important part of assessing your risk for heart disease. As we age, our risk increases, and understanding the average calcium scores by age and gender can help you know what to expect. If your calcium score is high, taking steps to reduce your risk can help you live a healthier life.