Arterial Age Calculator
Calculate your arterial age based on calcium score to assess cardiovascular health
Calculate Your Arterial Age
⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This calculator is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical assessment. Always consult with a cardiologist or qualified healthcare provider for proper interpretation of calcium scores and cardiovascular risk assessment.
Obtained from cardiac CT scan (0-5000+ range)
Your chronological age in years
Example Calculation
Example: Janice's Arterial Age
Actual Age: 64 years
Calcium Score: 23
Calculation: 39.1 + 7.25 × log(23 + 1) = 39.1 + 7.25 × log(24) = 39.1 + 7.25 × 3.18 = 62.2 years
Age Difference: 62.2 - 64 = -1.8 years
Result: Janice's arteries are about 2 years younger than her actual age - excellent health!
Calcium Score Ranges
CAD: Coronary Artery Disease. Higher scores indicate more calcium deposits and increased cardiovascular risk.
Arterial Aging Factors
Risk Factors
Smoking, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes, hypertension
Protective Factors
Regular exercise, healthy diet, normal BMI, good sleep
Assessment
Regular calcium scoring helps track arterial health over time
Keep Arteries Young
Eat plenty of vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
Exercise regularly - aim for 150 minutes per week
Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
Maintain good sleep and manage stress levels
Keep cholesterol and blood pressure in check
Understanding Arterial Age and Calcium Scoring
What is Arterial Age?
Arterial age is an estimate of how old your arteries are based on the amount of calcium deposits (atherosclerotic plaque) found in your coronary arteries. It's calculated using your Agatston calcium score from a cardiac CT scan and compared to your chronological age.
Why is it Important?
- •Predicts cardiovascular disease risk
- •Helps guide preventive treatments
- •Motivates lifestyle changes
- •More intuitive than raw calcium scores
Mesa Study Formula
Arterial Age = 39.1 + 7.25 × log(Calcium Score + 1)
This formula was developed from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (Mesa), which studied thousands of people without symptoms to understand how arterial aging progresses naturally.
Atherosclerosis Process
Atherosclerosis is the gradual buildup of plaque (fat, cholesterol, calcium, and fibrous tissue) in artery walls. This process begins in childhood but typically doesn't cause symptoms until middle age. The calcium score measures this buildup.
Average Artery Blockage by Age
Age Group | Men (≥50% blockage) | Women (≥50% blockage) | Men (≥70% blockage) | Women (≥70% blockage) |
---|---|---|---|---|
< 50 years | 0.2% | 0.0% | 0.1% | 0.0% |
50-59 years | 0.7% | 0.5% | 0.2% | 0.1% |
60-69 years | 2.3% | 2.0% | 0.8% | 0.2% |
70-79 years | 6.0% | 3.6% | 2.1% | 1.0% |
≥ 80 years | 7.5% | 5.0% | 3.1% | 0.9% |
Source: Meta-analysis of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis prevalence