Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. But you are not powerless against it. Small, proactive steps can make a huge difference in keeping your heart healthy. One of the most effective ways to assess your risk? A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan.
Here is everything you need to know:
What Is a CAC Scan?
A CAC scan is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium deposits in the arteries of your heart. These deposits are early warning signs of heart disease. When plaque builds up, it hardens, and calcium settles in. The more calcium, the higher your risk of a heart attack.
Doctors use the CAC score to assess heart health. A score of zero means no detectable calcium and a very low risk of heart disease. A score over 400? That is a red flag for serious heart problems. It is a simple test, but the information it provides is powerful.
Pavel / Pexels / Cardiologists use the CAC score to tailor treatments. If you are at high risk, they may suggest cholesterol-lowering meds or other preventive measures.
How Does the CAC Score Work?
Your CAC score doesn’t just show numbers. It gives you a clear picture of your heart’s future. If your score is low, great! Keep up your healthy habits. If it is high, don’t panic. This is your chance to make changes before a heart attack becomes a real threat.
Remember, the scan is not there to scare you. It gives you the knowledge to protect your heart before it is too late.
Who Should Get a CAC Scan?
Not everyone needs a CAC scan. If you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, you should consider it. Even if you feel fine, your arteries might tell a different story.
Doctors often recommend CAC scans for people between 40 and 70 who don’t show symptoms but have risk factors. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor. This simple test could be the wake-up call that keeps your heart strong for years to come.
What Does the CAC Scan Process Look Like?
No needles, no stress - just a quick CT scan. You will lie on a table while the machine takes images of your heart. The whole thing takes about 10 minutes. No special prep, no downtime.
Prat / Pexels / Once the scan is done, a radiologist analyzes the images, and your doctor explains the results.
If your CAC score is low, keep up your heart-healthy lifestyle. If it is high, now is the time to take action. Either way, you leave with valuable knowledge about your heart’s health.
What to Do After a CAC Scan
A CAC score is not a life sentence. It is a wake-up call. If your score is high, your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes and possibly medications to slow down plaque buildup. Quitting smoking, exercising more, eating heart-friendly foods, and managing stress can lower your risk of heart disease.
The good news? A high CAC score doesn’t mean you are doomed. It just means your heart needs attention. Think of it as a second chance to turn things around.
So, if you are over 40 and have risk factors, talk to your doctor. Knowing your CAC score puts you in control of your heart health. Don’t wait for a heart attack to take action. Get the facts now and protect your future.
