Feeling fine? Your heart may tell a different story.

Heart disease often develops quietly. Many people feel perfectly healthy right up until a heart attack, which is why tools that reveal hidden risk are so valuable. One of the most useful is the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, also known as a calcium scoring CT.

What is it?

A CAC scan is a non-contrast CT scan of the heart. It looks for calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply your heart muscle with blood. Calcium in these arteries is a sign of plaque, and its presence can indicate early coronary artery disease, sometimes years before symptoms appear.

What to expect

The test is quick and painless. You lie on a table while the scanner takes images of your heart, which usually takes only a few minutes. Because no contrast dye is used, there are no needles or dye-related concerns. Most people are in and out of the imaging center in under half an hour.

Understanding your score

The scan produces a calcium score, a number reflecting how much calcium is present in your coronary arteries. A score of zero suggests very little or no detectable plaque and generally points to a lower short-term risk of heart attack. Higher scores indicate more plaque and greater risk. Your doctor will interpret the number alongside your age, family history, cholesterol, blood pressure, and other factors.

Who might benefit?

A CAC scan is often most helpful for people at intermediate risk of heart disease, such as those who don't have symptoms but have risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a family history of early heart disease, or a history of smoking. For these individuals, the result can help clarify whether preventive steps, such as cholesterol-lowering medication, are worthwhile.

What happens next?

A high score isn't a diagnosis of a heart attack waiting to happen. It's a call to action. Depending on your results, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes like a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, quitting smoking, and weight management, along with medication when appropriate. A low score can be reassuring, though it doesn't guarantee you'll never develop heart problems, so healthy habits still matter.

Kaweah Health offers CAC scans at its Imaging & Breast Center. Just like a prescription, when a doctor refers you for a CAC scan, you can take the referral to the imaging center of your choice. 

Talk to your doctor

Curious whether a CAC scan is right for you? Ask your primary care provider at your next visit. Together you can review your risk factors and decide whether a calcium score would help guide your heart health plan.