The Importance of Getting a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan
Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Many people feel perfectly healthy but may still have early plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan is a simple test that can help detect early signs of coronary artery disease before symptoms appear.
What a CAC Scan Measures
A CAC scan is a specialized CT scan that looks for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. When calcium is present in these arteries, it often indicates the presence of atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the artery walls.
The test produces a calcium score, which helps estimate the amount of plaque present.
In general:
- Score 0 – No detectable calcium; very low risk of heart disease in the near term
- Score 1–99 – Mild plaque buildup
- Score 100–399 – Moderate plaque buildup
- Score 400 or higher – Higher risk for coronary artery disease
This information can help patients and doctors better understand a person’s cardiovascular risk.
Why Early Detection Matters
Heart disease often develops silently over many years. Many people do not realize there is a problem until symptoms appear or a heart attack occurs. A CAC scan can help identify hidden plaque buildup before serious complications develop.
Knowing your calcium score may help guide conversations with your doctor about:
- Heart-healthy lifestyle changes
- Monitoring cardiovascular risk
- Preventive treatment strategies when appropriate
Early awareness can help people make informed decisions about protecting their heart health.
Who May Benefit From a CAC Scan
A CAC scan is often considered for adults who may have risk factors for heart disease, such as:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Smoking history
- Being overweight or inactive
For some individuals, the scan may help clarify risk when traditional risk assessments are uncertain.
What the Test Is Like
A CAC scan is quick, non-invasive, and painless. It typically takes only a few minutes and does not require needles or contrast dye in most cases. During the test, you lie on a CT scanner table while the machine takes images of your heart.
Because the scan uses low-dose radiation, it is generally used when the results are expected to provide helpful information for risk assessment.
Understanding the Results
The calcium score from the scan does not diagnose a heart attack or blockages by itself. Instead, it helps estimate the amount of plaque in the coronary arteries and the potential risk for future cardiovascular problems.
Your doctor can help interpret the results in the context of your overall health and risk factors.
A Tool for Informed Heart Health Decisions
A CAC scan is not needed for everyone, but for some people it can be a valuable tool for understanding cardiovascular risk. By identifying early plaque buildup, the test can support conversations about prevention and heart-healthy habits.
If you are concerned about your heart health or have risk factors for coronary artery disease, it may be helpful to discuss whether a CAC scan could be appropriate for you.
Learn More
If you would like a deeper explanation of how the test works, what the numbers mean, and how to talk with your healthcare team about the results, explore the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan Guide available in the Real Nurse Advocate™ health education library.
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Excellent Article I posted about the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan. Unfortunately, Insurance coverage can vary, mine did not pay for this so I asked my Doctor about it. They acutally offered, the entire scan with a professional radiology reading for only $100 in my area. Now costs may vary around the country. Ask your doctor about this Scan if you really want an idea of how calcified your arteries in your heart are.