Your Coronary Artery Calcium Scan: How to decipher your CAC score
What the CAC scan really tells you, who should take the test, and how to use it for improved shared decision-making with your doctor
What is New?
Doctors and medical associations increasingly encourage people to have a CT scan of their heart done for the presence or absence of coronary artery calcium (CAC). The score is supposed to identify hidden risks for heart attacks and the like. What remains hidden from the layperson is that the score is not as straightforward as they are made to believe.
Why it matters
There is a Jekyll-and-Hyde quality to CAC scores that, once appreciated, helps you to clearly understand yours, have a more informed discussion with your doctor, and improve the shared decision-making about your treatment and/or lifestyle options.
What to do next
Since CAC scores correlate closely with vascular age, a modifiable biomarker reflecting the (im)prudence of your lifestyle choices, you have a practical benchmark to improve the latter.
