Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Test
aka “Heart Scan” or “Calcium Score”

What is a CAC test?

A CAC test, also called a heart scan, is a CT scan of your heart that takes detailed images of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. The images show calcium deposits you may have in your cotonary arteries. Higher amounts of calcium are associated with more severe diseases in the heart arteries.

See this slide show from the American Heart Association of how a heart attack progresses:

Why do people have it done?

A CAC test can measure the amount of calcium in your heart arteries(“calcium score”). Your calcium score gives your health care team an idea of how much plaque is in your heart arteries and may help predict your risk of a future heart attack or stroke.

CAC testing is useful for making treatment decisions. These are some groups where it may be useful:

People ages 40 to 55 with a family history, habits, or other risk factors that increase their chances of heart disease.
People reluctant to begin therapy or treatment and who want to understand their risk and potential benefits more precisely.
Men ages 55 to 80 or women 60 to 80 with few risk factors who question whether they would benefit from statin therapy.

If you’ve already had a heart attack, coronary bypass surgery(PDF), or a coronary stent calcium scoring won’t provide additional information.

What are the risks of the CAC scan?

The low-dose scan exposures you to the same amount of radiation exposure as a mammogram. Repeated exposure can have negative health effects such as increased cancer risk. Talk with your health care team about safety and risk for any test you’re undergoing.

Tell your health care team if you’re pregnant. If the test is not urgent, it may be able to be delayed until after your prenancy.

How do I prepare for the scan?

Since no dye is used for this scan, no special preparation is needed.

Are CAC scans covered by insurance?

This important test is not covered by insurance, but only costs $85 at Advanced Medical Imaging.

What happens during the test?

Good news – the whole test usually takes <15 minutes! After checking in for your appointment, the technician will accompany you to the scan room. Usually, you won’t need to change clothes.

Electrodes will be attached to your chest area to monitor your ECG (measures the electrical activity of the heart beat). The ECG also helps the computer connected to the scanned 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 closely through a window.
During the scan, the computer will ask you to hold your breath for short periods.

What happens after the CAC scan?

After the health care team get the test results from the radiologist, they will fax the results to your family physician or designated provider to discuss the results with you.

Call or visit us today to get your scan.

Fast Appointments

Same-day appointments are often available.
No physician referral necessary.

Call to schedule an appointment.

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Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Testaka “Heart Scan” or “Calcium Score”