What Is the Average Calcium Score for a 60 Year-Old?
- Ezra Miller
- Aug 25
- 4 min read
Highlights
Knowing your calcium score empowers you to make informed choices for lifelong heart health.
Nutrition and daily habits can slow calcium buildup and support healthier arteries.
Empower Fitness provides personalized nutrition and wellness plans to protect your heart and keep you active in retirement. Request a free consultation today!
The average calcium score for a 60-year-old is more than a number; it’s a valuable insight into your heart health. This score reflects how much calcium has built up in your arteries, a sign of plaque that can affect blood flow and increase the risk of heart disease.
In this article, we’ll cover average scores by age and gender, which ranges are considered concerning, and how nutrition and lifestyle habits can influence your results.
Let's dive in!
Average Calcium Score by Age and Gender
Calcium scores tend to rise naturally as we age, but the rate and amount can differ greatly between men and women. Men usually show higher levels earlier in life, while women often see their numbers rise after menopause due to hormonal changes.
Below is a reference table with average coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores. Keep in mind these figures are only benchmarks. Your individual result will depend on factors such as family history, diet, exercise, and overall health.
Age Group | Men Average CAC | Women Average CAC |
40-49 | 10-100 | 0-50 |
50-59 | 100-300 | 50-150 |
60-69 | 300-400+ | 150-300 |
70+ | 400+ | 300+ |
Can Stress Cause a High Calcium Score?
Yes, stress can cause a high calcium score indirectly. Even though stress itself doesn’t physically place calcium in your arteries, it can set off a chain reaction in the body that affects heart health.
Chronic stress often leads to poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits, and less motivation for physical activity. Over time, the release of hormones like cortisol and adrenaline can raise blood pressure, alter blood sugar, and cause inflammation. These effects make arteries more prone to calcium deposits and plaque.
What Is a Worrisome CAC Score?
A worrisome CAC score is generally considered to be above 300, as this indicates a higher risk of significant heart disease and potential blockages.
A coronary artery calcium score can help refine decision-making about whether someone needs heart medication. - Dr. Donald Lloyd-Jones
Can I Lower My Calcium Score?
Yes, you can lower your calcium score over time by making lifestyle changes, even if existing deposits cannot be completely removed. However, that doesn't have to stop you from improving your cardiovascular health and preventing new plaque from forming.
Practical steps include following a nutrition plan rich in vegetables and engaging in regular physical activity and, when recommended by a doctor, using medication to support treatment.
Overall, it's important to view lowering your calcium score as a gradual process rather than an overnight fix. With consistent effort, even small improvements can lead to measurable changes in heart health and a better quality of life as you age.
It’s been clear that the calcium score adds the most risk-predictive value on top of traditional risk factors. - Dr. Michael Blaha
Get a Personalized Nutrition Plan to Support Heart Health with Empower Fitness
Nutrition plays an important role in slowing and reversing plaque buildup. At Empower Fitness, we create personalized nutrition plans focused on lower calcium score nutrition, tailored to your preferences and long-term health goals.
Whether you want to stay active in retirement, boost your energy, or prevent heart complications, our approach is simple, sustainable, and most importantly, backed up with expert guidance.
Take the first step toward a healthier heart and book your free consultation today, and discover how easy it can be to eat well and live better.
What Foods Reduce Calcium Score?
The foods that reduce calcium score are nutrient-rich options that support heart health and slow arterial plaque buildup. A balanced diet can strengthen artery walls, lower inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels, all of which help prevent higher results.
Some of the best lower calcium score foods include:
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, arugula)
Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
Berries (blueberries, strawberries)
Whole grains (oats, quinoa, brown rice)
Nuts and seeds (walnuts, chia seeds)
Olive oil and avocado
Beans and lentils
Reducing processed foods, sugary drinks, and trans fats alongside these choices can make a lasting difference in heart health.
How Long Does It Take to Lower a Calcium Score?
Lowering a calcium score takes about 6 to 12 months, although significant reductions may require several years.
FAQs About Average Calcium Score
How Much Calcium Does a 60 Year Old Woman with Osteoporosis Need?
A 60 year old woman with osteoporosis needs about 1,200 mg of calcium per day, ideally from food sources and supplements if recommended by a doctor.
Is It Possible to Have a High Calcium Score and No Blockage?
Yes, it is possible to have a high calcium score and no blockages, since the test measures calcium, not the degree of narrowing in the arteries.
Is Calcium Score Related to High Cholesterol?
Yes, calcium score is related to high cholesterol because both are linked to plaque buildup in the arteries.
What Dissolves Calcium Deposits in the Arteries?
Nothing can completely dissolve calcium deposits in the arteries, but a healthy diet, exercise, and medical treatment can help slow or reduce buildup.
What Is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a painless CT that measures calcium in the heart’s arteries to evaluate heart disease risk.
Conclusion: What Is a Normal Cardiac Calcium Score?
A normal cardiac calcium score is 0, meaning no detectable calcium in your heart’s arteries. If your results are higher than the average calcium score for a 60-year-old, it doesn’t necessarily mean there is a blockage; it is a sign to discuss with your healthcare provider.
At Empower Fitness, we provide personalized nutrition plans and guided fitness programs designed for senior citizens. Our goal is to help you protect your heart, improve circulation, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
We work closely with you to tailor a plan that fits your needs, supports arterial health, and strengthens overall cardiovascular function.
Schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ezra Miller to understand your calcium score and begin a customized plan for a healthier heart.
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