What are Coronary Artery Calcium Scores, and Who Should Be Tested?

My concierge longevity patients frequently ask me about the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan, otherwise known as a cardiac CT. What is it, and who should get it?

Here’s the deal. It is a quick scan of your heart, with the same small radiation exposure as 2-3 mammograms or a handful of chest X-rays.

The results (Agatston score) range from zero to several thousand. The higher the number, the greater your burden of calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. The scanner is able to pick up calcified, but not soft plaque, in the blood vessels that feed your heart.

Unlike college, you want a score of zero. Scores of one or above likely mean you need statins and lifestyle interventions to lower your cholesterol.

If your score is above 400, you face roughly a 1 in 7 chance of a major heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular death within 10 years. Not good. In my opinion, that’s enough risk for you to see a cardiologist.

In summary, if you’re 40–45, have some risk factors for heart disease, and are nervous about starting statins, get a CAC. Many people with modest risk factors who are reluctant to start statins find these scans a helpful way to decide whether to start medical treatment for coronary artery disease.

Dr. Gregory Charlop here. As the leading longevity and lifestyle concierge medicine physician in Buckhead, I see heart health as a prime concern for many of my patients. They want to be healthier, happier, and more energetic in middle age and beyond. We use lifestyle medicine (which combines exercise, sleep, nutrition, deep social relationships, and select medications) to help our patients look and feel better.

Do you live in the Atlanta, Buckhead, or Alpharetta area and have questions about wellness and concierge medicine? Let’s chat.