Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring
Coronary artery calcium scoring detects atherosclerosis years before it causes symptoms. A simple, non-contrast CT scan quantifies calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. The resulting score predicts heart attack risk more accurately than traditional risk calculators alone. Yet most people have never heard of it, and most insurance plans refuse to cover it.
The CAC scan occupies an unusual position in cardiovascular medicine. Decades of evidence support its predictive value. The test costs less than many routine procedures. It exposes patients to less radiation than a mammogram. Still, it remains underutilized, largely because economics rather than clinical evidence drive its adoption. Understanding how to access CAC scoring requires navigating a healthcare system where the incentives often work against prevention.
The articles below provide everything you need to understand what CAC measures, how to interpret your results, who should consider testing, and how to obtain a scan if your doctor does not suggest one. The goal is to equip you with the information necessary to make informed decisions about your own cardiovascular health.