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- What is a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan? It is a screening tool that can detect the amount of calcium deposits in your heart arteries, which can indicate risk for possible heart attack.
- Can I have a blockage in my heart arteries and not know it? Yes, our bodies don’t always “talk” to us, letting us know something is wrong – also known as being “asymptomatic”. You may not have symptoms, but could still have Coronary Artery Disease and that is why screening is imperative.
- Why don’t doctors tell you to get this screening? That is the reason for starting our Advocates for Cardiac Screening mission. A doctor will address health problems when you have symptoms by using tests and various treatments, and they will recommend an annual exam to keep you healthy, but they don’t always recommend this simple screening for Coronary Artery Disease. There is some disagreement about the findings of CAC’s, so not all doctors feel it is necessary.
- Where can you get this test done? A doctor gives you a script for a Coronary Artery Calcium scan (CAC) and you make an appointment at the hospital or imaging center. It is not done at a Life Line Screening. They screen for many cardiovascular issues (carotid artery plaque, EKG’s, bloodwork, aorta ultrasounds) but they do not screen for coronary artery disease (which they disclose on their website, lifelinescreening.com)
- Does insurance cover a CAC scan? No, currently, it is not covered by Medicare or commercial insurance unless it is used to test a patient with cardiac symptoms
- What would it cost? Approximately $150-$200
- When should a person have a CAC scan done? A baseline screening at age 45-50 years old would be most appropriate.