According to the Agatston system, how is mild coronary artery calcium classified?

In the Agatston scoring system, coronary artery calcium (CAC) is quantified by measuring the area and the density of calcified plaques in the coronary arteries using computed tomography. The scoring ranges help categorize the presence and extent of coronary artery disease.

Mild coronary artery calcium is classified as a score of 11-100. This range indicates the beginning of significant calcification, suggesting that there may be an increased risk of coronary artery disease but not at a level that would be considered severe. A score within this range helps guide clinicians in assessing the patient's cardiovascular risk and determining further diagnostic or therapeutic strategies.

The classifications for the other ranges reflect increasing severity of coronary artery calcium, with scores less than 10 indicating no significant calcium and those above 100 indicating more advanced calcification, which is associated with greater cardiovascular risk. The classification system is essential for risk stratification in cardiovascular assessment, aiding in preventive cardiovascular care.