Did you know that every 33 seconds someone in the U.S. dies from cardiovascular disease?
If you are concerned about your heart health, you probably keep track of your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and maybe even your BMI.
But did you know there’s another important number that can tell you more about your heart health? It is the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score.
The Coronary Artery Calcium score is a measure of how much calcified plaque is sitting in your coronary arteries, and it’s crucial because this plaque buildup is a major factor behind heart attacks and strokes.
Although the name may sound technical, it is not as complicated as it seems. It is a simple, noninvasive test and can help predict heart issues long before symptoms show up.
But not everyone knows about it, and not everyone needs it. So, what exactly is a CAC score, why is it important, and how it can help you stay in control of your heart health?
What Exactly Is a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score?
A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) test, also known as a heart scan, is a quick and painless CT scan that takes detailed pictures of your heart.
It focuses on the arteries that deliver blood to your heart muscle, looking specifically for calcium buildup.
The more calcium that’s found in these arteries, the more likely it is that you have some level of heart disease. This test helps doctors get a clear view of what’s going on inside your heart — even before any symptoms appear.
How Is a CAC Score Measured?
Now if you’re thinking that you need to brace yourself for some kind of time consuming, invasive procedure, you are in luck. The process is quick and painless. You simply lie down for a coronary CT scan, which snaps high-definition pictures of your heart and blood vessels. The scan only takes about 10-15 minutes and shows the amount of calcium hiding in your arteries, and it’s all broken down into a neat little score.
Here’s What CAC Scores Mean:
- 0: Congrats! No detectable calcium—your arteries are clear.
- 1-10: There’s a tiny bit of calcium, but your risk of heart disease is still low
- 11-100: Some calcium buildup is there. It’s time to start thinking about making lifestyle changes.
- 101-400: Significant calcium deposits are present. You may be at an increased risk for heart disease.
- 400+: A high score like this is a big red flag. Your risk for heart attack or other heart-related issues is very high.
The Science Behind Coronary Artery Calcium: Why Do Calcium Deposits Build Up in the Arteries?
You’ve likely heard of calcium as essential for building strong bones and teeth.
But why does it become harmful in your arteries?
When the walls of your arteries are damaged because of high blood pressure, smoking, or elevated cholesterol, your body attempts to repair the damage by depositing calcium.
Unfortunately, instead of promoting healing, this calcium forms hard deposits, or plaque, which can narrow or obstruct blood flow. It’s similar to how a clogged pipe hampers water flow.
A recent study from 2022 has shown that individuals with high coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores are at a significantly increased risk for heart attack, strokes and eventually death.
This is because the presence of calcium signals underlying plaque buildup, and if these plaques rupture, they can block an artery and cut off blood flow to the heart—a potentially life-threatening event.
Why Should You Care About Your CAC Score?
Do you really need to know your CAC score?
The short answer is yes—especially if you’re over 40 or have risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease.
Understanding your CAC score gives you several advantages for your heart health:
- An Accurate Assessment of Heart Attack Risk
Traditional risk indicators don’t always predict heart disease. They provide a solid summary, but they fail to reveal what’s truly going on within your arteries. That’s why CAC scores are so important.
Your CAC score measures the calcified plaque in your coronary arteries, providing a clear indication of atherosclerosis. This condition involves the hardening and narrowing of arteries, which can increase the risk of heart attacks.
Research indicates that a higher CAC score can increase your risk of a heart attack, regardless of whether your cholesterol or blood pressure levels are managed.
- A Reliable Indicator of Upcoming Heart Health Issues
The CAC score stands out as a key indicator of potential future cardiovascular events, proving to be more dependable than traditional factors such as age, family history, or smoking habits.
A study published in the Journal of Endocrinology and metabolism revealed that individuals with CAC scores over 300 face a tenfold increase in the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack compared to those with lower scores, even when their cholesterol levels are effectively managed. This indicates that even when you’re taking all the right steps for your health, your CAC score might still uncover some unexpected risks.
- Personalized Risk Management and Prevention
Your CAC score personalizes your management plan for you.
If your score is on the higher side, it can understandably raise concerns for both you and your healthcare provider, prompting a need for more proactive preventive measures. These might involve beginning medications such as statins, incorporating regular exercise into daily life, or improving management of blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
On the other hand, a low or zero CAC score is equally important. It can affirm that the lifestyle measures you’re already following—such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, or medication—are effectively protecting your heart.
- More Than Just Cholesterol Levels
One of the most misunderstood aspects of cardiovascular risk is how limited traditional markers like cholesterol levels can be. Many people assume that if their LDL (bad cholesterol) is low, they’re in the clear.
However, it’s entirely possible to have low cholesterol and a high CAC score, which is why relying on one marker isn’t always enough.
For example, if someone has a normal cholesterol level but a high CAC score, they still carry a significant risk of heart attack or stroke because the calcium in their arteries indicates that atherosclerosis has already started developing.
The reverse is also true: A 2019 study says that someone with slightly elevated cholesterol but a CAC score of zero may actually have a much lower risk than their cholesterol levels suggest.
- Addressing Asymptomatic Risks
Many people walk around with high cardiovascular risk and don’t even know it. That’s because heart disease can be a silent killer—sometimes the first sign of a problem is a heart attack.
A CAC score can uncover hidden risks in people who are otherwise asymptomatic, providing an early warning signal that allows for preventive action before it’s too late.
CAC Scoring is Not Just for Older Adults
Though commonly associated with older adults, CAC scoring is proving valuable for younger people as well, especially those with risk factors like a family history of heart disease or certain metabolic conditions.
Research suggests that even individuals under 50 with elevated CAC scores face significant long-term cardiovascular risks. In these cases, early lifestyle adjustments can make all the difference.
What Can You Do If Your CAC Score Is High?
A high CAC score isn’t cause for alarm, but it does mean you need to act. There are steps you can take to lower your risk. Your doctor might advise changes to your diet, getting more exercise, or even prescribing medications like statins to manage cholesterol. In some cases, more intensive interventions might be necessary to reduce the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke.
Should Everyone Get a CAC Test?
Not everyone needs a CAC test. If you’re young, healthy, and without major risk factors, it might not be necessary. But if you’re over 40, have high cholesterol, smoke, or have a family history of heart disease, it’s worth discussing with your doctor to see if the test could benefit you.
The Benefits of Knowing Your CAC Score
Here are the benefits of knowing your CAC score:
- Catching Heart Disease Early
One key benefit of a CAC score is its ability to spot heart disease signs before you feel anything. Most people don’t know they have heart issues until they’re facing a major problem. A CAC scan, however, lets you catch those early warning signs. This allows you to act sooner. Whether that means lifestyle changes or starting medication, the goal is to prevent a heart attack or stroke before it even becomes a threat.
- Better Health Decisions
Having your CAC score helps you and your doctor make smarter decisions about your health. It’s not just guesswork anymore. You might need to adjust your diet, start exercising, or check in with your doctor more often. For some, medications to lower cholesterol or blood pressure might be necessary. Whatever the case, you’ll be making choices backed by real evidence, not just what-ifs.
- Motivation to Make Changes
Sometimes, a high CAC score is just the wake-up call you need. It can be the reason to quit smoking, eat better, or finally stick to your workout routine.
Knowing your CAC score can give you that extra motivation to stay on track and take better care of your heart for the long run.
Limitations and Considerations
Although the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score test gives you key information about your heart health, it has its own limitations.
- It is Not a Standalone Test:
Your heart’s health is complex and CAC score is just a part of the whole investigation process.
Although a CAC score gives you a scan of your heart, your doctor won’t rely on this test alone. Things like your cholesterol, blood pressure, and lifestyle habits are just as crucial.
- Potential for Overdiagnosis:
Seeing a high CAC score can be frightening and you may jump towards more aggressive treatment approaches. Sometimes, a high score can lead to unnecessary treatments for conditions that may never cause you trouble. This is called overdiagnosis. This is why you must always discuss your condition with a doctor.
- Cost and Accessibility:
Not everyone can easily access a CAC scan. It can be expensive and isn’t available everywhere.
Surely, it’s a useful tool, but it’s not always the first option for heart health screening. Other tests, like cholesterol checks and blood pressure monitoring, can still help your doctor find the best treatment for you.
Next Steps After Receiving Your CAC Score
Got your CAC score? here’s what to do next:
- Talk to Your Doctor:
When you receive your CAC test score, don’t try to make sense of the numbers on your own. Discuss your test report with a doctor and they will help you understand what the number really means for your specific situation.
- Make Action Plans:
Depending on your score, your doctor will suggest different management plans for you::
- Low Score (0-100): If your score is on the low side, it’s a good sign. Your focus might just be on keeping up healthy habits like eating well, exercising regularly, and steering clear of smoking.
- Moderate Score (101-400): A moderate score could mean it’s time to consider medications, like statins, to lower cholesterol along with lifestyle changes.
- High Score (400+): A higher score is a red flag. It calls for more aggressive steps. Your doctor might recommend medications and closer monitoring to reduce the risk of a heart attack.
- Follow-Up:
Don’t stop after that first conversation. It’s important to schedule follow-up appointments to check how things are going. Your doctor will want to track your progress and possibly adjust your treatment plan. These regular check-ins can make a big difference in staying on top of your heart health, especially if your CAC score was on the higher side.
Takeaways: What Your CAC Score Means for Your Future
Have you ever thought about how many lives could be saved with the right tools for diagnosing illnesses?
Today, technology is moving fast, and it has the power to change healthcare in unique ways.
Your coronary artery calcium score is a window into your heart’s future health. Whether your score is a reassuring zero or an eye-opening 400, it gives you a critical insight into your cardiovascular health that you can’t afford to ignore.
This information may help you make better choices about diet, medicine, and checkups. Knowledge is strength in your heart.
Would you rather wait for symptoms to knock on your door? A CAC score gives you the head start you need to stay in control of your heart health – and your life.
CAC scores help you understand and manage cardiovascular health. It detects cardiac problems early, improves decision-making, and inspires healthy lifestyle adjustments. Not ideal or a solo test. It works best with other health indicators, and a high score is only a call to action, not a catastrophe.