Coronary Artery Calcium Test
Quick Facts
- A coronary artery calcium test is a heart scan.
- It shows calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
- Your calcium score can help your health care team with treatment decisions.
What is a Coronary Artery Calcium Test?
A coronary artery calcium (CAC) test is a kind of heart scan. X-rays take detailed images of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The images show any calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. Higher amounts of calcium in the arteries suggest more severe disease.
See an illustration of coronary arteries
Why do people have it done?
A CAC test measures the calcium in your heart arteries. This calcium score gives your health care team an idea of:
- How much plaque is in your heart arteries
- Your risk of a future heart attack
- Congenital heart disease
- Problems with heart valves
- Artery blockages
- Tumors or masses of the heart
- Pumping function of the heart
Men 40 and older and women 45 and older can be considered for a CAC scan to check the artery walls for early plaque buildup. CAC testing is primarily for adults at borderline or intermediate risk when treatment decisions remain uncertain. This simple imaging test is most useful to help guide treatment decisions, like starting a cholesterol lowering medication.
Calcium scoring isn’t recommended for people who don’t have heart disease symptoms and have a low risk of heart attack unless they have a strong family history of premature coronary heart disease. Calcium scoring won’t give extra information if you’ve already had a:
What are the risks of the CAC scan?
The scan exposes you to the same amount of radiation as a mammogram. Repeated exposure can have negative health effects such as increased cancer risk. Talk with your health care team about the safety and risks for any test.
Tell your health care team if you’re pregnant. The test may be delayed until after your pregnancy.
How do I prepare for the scan?
No special preparation is needed.
What happens during the test?
Technicians perform the CAC scan in hospitals or special outpatient clinics.
- Electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your EKG. The EKG also helps the computer create clear pictures of your heart.
- When you’re ready, the table slowly moves inside the machine. The scanner arches around you but doesn’t touch you.
- The technician will watch you closely through a window. You can talk to them through an intercom.
- The technician will ask you to hold your breath for short periods.
- CT scanning takes about 10-15 minutes.
Are CAC scans covered by insurance?
Insurance coverage varies with out-of-pocket costs ranging from $50 to $250.
What happens after the CAC scan?
Your health care team will make an appointment to discuss the results and next steps with you.
