Archive · 13 Aug 2025
CAC Test: Helping Assess Risk of Heart Disease
Imagine your heart's arteries are like pipes.
Sometimes, they get clogged with stuff called plaque, which can cause heart attacks.
Doctors can use a special scan, called a CAC test, to see if you have this plaque.
The test is like taking a picture of your heart's pipes to check for problems.
If you're at risk, the doctor might prescribe medicine to help.
This test is for people who seem healthy but might have hidden risks.
The test helps doctors decide if medicine is needed to keep your heart healthy.
A coronary artery calcium (CAC) test can provide a more precise estimate of a person's risk of heart disease.
The test involves a brief CT scan to check for plaque in arteries leading to the heart.
The CAC test is recommended for asymptomatic patients aged 40-75, who haven't had a heart attack/stroke, and aren't on cholesterol drugs.
CAC test results help doctors determine if a patient needs statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs.
While endorsed by cardiology groups, the US Preventive Services Task Force hasn't recommended widespread CAC use yet.
- Who
- The CAC test is used on asymptomatic patients to determine heart disease risk.
- What
- A coronary artery calcium (CAC) test is a CT scan to assess the risk of heart disease.
- When
- The test is for people aged 40-75, who have never had a heart attack/stroke and are not taking cholesterol drugs.
- Where
- The test is performed in medical facilities.
- Why
- To help determine if a patient needs statins to prevent heart attacks and other cardiac events.
Patients Who May Be Hesitant
Medical Professionals
Statin use
Patients Who May Be Hesitant
Some patients are reluctant to start statins due to fear of side effects.
Medical Professionals
Researchers consider the fear of side effects overblown.
- Test Name
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test
- Purpose
- Assess heart disease risk
- Procedure
- Brief CT scan
- Target Patients
- Asymptomatic patients 40-75 years old
- Cost
- Sometimes $300, but often $100 or less
- Statin Use
- Helps determine the need for statins, cholesterol-lowering drugs