Heart disease is one of the leading causes of illness and death among older adults. Yet, many people don’t realize they have it until they experience serious symptoms like chest pain or a heart attack.
Detecting heart disease early can save lives, and one simple test is making this possible: the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score.
This non-invasive test provides a clear picture of heart health and helps identify risks before they become life-threatening.
The CAC test uses a specialized CT scan to measure the amount of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. Calcium in the arteries is a sign of atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries.
This condition develops over time as fatty deposits and calcium accumulate, narrowing the arteries and increasing the risk of heart attacks. By detecting this buildup early, doctors can recommend preventive measures to reduce the risk of serious complications.
The test itself is quick and painless. You lie down on a table while the CT scanner takes detailed images of your heart. The results are reported as a CAC score, which ranges from zero (no calcium detected) to several hundred or more (indicating significant buildup).
A score of zero suggests a low risk of heart disease, while higher scores indicate an increased risk and the need for medical attention.
Research has shown that the CAC test is a reliable predictor of future heart problems. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that adults with higher CAC scores were significantly more likely to experience heart attacks or other cardiac events within the next decade.
Another study in The Lancet demonstrated that the test provides valuable information even for people with no symptoms, helping to identify those at risk who might otherwise go unnoticed.
One of the biggest advantages of the CAC test is its ability to guide personalized treatment. For seniors with high CAC scores, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes, such as eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking.
In some cases, medications like statins or aspirin may be prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels and prevent blood clots. For those with low scores, the test can provide peace of mind and reassurance that their heart is in good shape.
The CAC test is especially useful for seniors who have risk factors for heart disease but no obvious symptoms. Risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, a family history of heart disease, and smoking.
If you fall into any of these categories, your doctor might recommend the test as part of your overall heart health assessment.
While the CAC test is incredibly informative, it’s not for everyone. It involves a small amount of radiation, so it’s typically reserved for individuals at moderate risk of heart disease who would benefit most from the information it provides. Y
our doctor can help determine if the test is right for you based on your health history and risk profile.
The cost of the CAC test varies, but it’s often relatively affordable and may be covered by insurance in certain cases. Even if you have to pay out of pocket, many seniors find it to be a worthwhile investment in their health.
Catching heart disease early makes all the difference. With the CAC test, doctors can spot potential problems before symptoms appear, giving you more time to take preventive action.
If you’re over 60 and concerned about your heart health, talk to your doctor about whether this simple test could benefit you. It might just be the key to protecting your heart and enjoying a healthier future.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk, and Vitamin K2 could help reduce heart disease risk.
For more information about heart health, please see recent studies about how to remove plaques that cause heart attacks, and results showing a new way to prevent heart attacks, strokes.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
