Cardiology · UK
CT coronary calcium score - a five-minute scan that changes the odds.
A quick low-dose CT that scores calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. Since ESC 2021 and NICE guidance on primary prevention, the Agatston score has become a key tie-breaker for statin decisions in men and women in their 40s and 50s.
Indicative pricing
What private coronary calcium score costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner units.
In short
£250–£450, results in Same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| CT coronary calcium score | £250–£450 | 10–15 min | Same day |
| Consultant consultation | £200–£400 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
| Pre-procedure bloods | £80–£220 | 5 min blood draw | 24–72 hours |
| Follow-up review | £150–£300 | 20–30 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by hospital, by consultant and by the complexity of your case.
The problem
The right coronary calcium score, at the right time - with the right consultant.
NHS pathways are excellent but capacity is stretched. Private care shortens the timeline and lets you choose the consultant.
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NHS waits are long
Median waits for elective work vary by region and specialty; private care shortens the timeline.
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The right consultant matters
Outcomes in cardiology track with volume and subspecialisation - not just hospital brand.
When it helps
When coronary calcium score is the right step.
Situations where coronary calcium score is a reasonable next step in the UK.
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Family history of early heart disease
Under-55 event in a first-degree relative - CAC clarifies your true risk.
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Borderline QRISK3 (7.5–20%)
A grey-zone risk score - CAC helps decide on statins.
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Raised LDL cholesterol
When you want objective plaque data before starting therapy.
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Statin hesitancy
A CAC of zero often supports safe deferral.
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Diabetes without symptoms
Modifies risk in type 2 diabetes.
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Executive health screen
Adds signal to a well-person check.
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Athletic screening in mid-life
Baseline for endurance athletes 40+.
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Red flag: chest pain
This is not the right scan - needs CCTA or urgent cardiology, not CAC.
Procedure options
Options within coronary calcium score.
Technique and delivery vary by consultant and case.
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Non-contrast CT (standard)
Low-dose gated CT - under 1 mSv on modern scanners.
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Agatston scoring
Internationally agreed 0–>400 score per vessel and total.
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Age/sex percentile
Compared with MESA reference data.
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Bundled with lipids
Full lipid panel plus Lp(a) and ApoB.
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards - honestly.
The safety profile is well understood - the honest bits are here.
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Radiation dose
Under 1 mSv on modern gated CT - similar to background radiation over 3–4 months.
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No contrast
No iodine injection; kidney function not a barrier.
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Not for symptoms
CAC does not evaluate soft plaque or stenosis - use CCTA if angina is suspected.
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Score of zero is reassuring
Very low 5-year cardiovascular event rate.
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High score is not a heart attack
It reflects lifetime burden - action is on risk factors, not panic.
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Pregnancy exclusion
CT is avoided in pregnancy.
Reading your notes
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever centre performs the procedure, the report keeps to the same shape.
- 01 Header
Indication and consent
Why the procedure was done, what was consented and any relevant history.
- 02 Findings
What was seen or done
The technical detail - anatomy, samples, devices used, measurements.
- 03 Assessment
Consultant interpretation
What the findings mean in your clinical context.
- 04 Impression
Summary and next step
Read this first - the bottom line and recommended follow-up.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Usually covered by UK private medical insurance when there is a specialist referral and a clear clinical indication.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about coronary calcium score.
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How much does private coronary calcium score cost in the UK?
We share two or three options with cover checked.
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Is coronary calcium score covered by UK private medical insurance?
Usually yes with a specialist referral and clear indication. Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA and Cigna are the mainstream insurers we work with.
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How soon can I be booked?
Most patients are seen within a week; urgent cases the same week where clinically appropriate.
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Where is it performed?
In CQC-registered UK hospitals and clinics across London and the major cities.
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Will the NHS see the results?
The report goes to you and - with your consent - your NHS GP.
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Is there an NHS pathway for this?
Yes, but waits vary by region. Private care is an option when timing, choice of consultant or symptom burden makes waiting unattractive.
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