Why This Matters More Than Ever
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally — affecting individuals across age groups, lifestyles, and even those who may seem perfectly healthy on the outside. Despite growing awareness about cholesterol, blood pressure, and fitness, many heart attacks occur without warning and in people with “normal” cholesterol levels.
The Simple Test That Could Save Your Life: Coronary Calcium Scan for Early Heart Disease Detection
That’s where the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan steps in as a game-changing diagnostic tool. Featured recently in India Today, Times of India, The New York Times, Moneycontrol, and TheHealthSite, this test is creating a global shift in how we assess heart health risk.
🔬 What is a Coronary Calcium Scan?
A Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scan is a specialized CT scan that detects calcium deposits in the arteries that supply blood to your heart. These calcium deposits are a direct indicator of plaque buildup — and plaque is what causes blockages that can lead to heart attacks.
Key facts:
It’s non-invasive
Takes less than 10 minutes
No needles, no dyes, no recovery time
Generates a calcium score (0 to 400+)
The higher your score, the higher your risk
💡 Why the CAC Test is Better Than a Cholesterol Test
You might think, “I get regular cholesterol tests, isn’t that enough?”
Surprisingly, no. Cholesterol levels only tell you about the fat content in your blood — not whether your arteries are already calcifying.
As per experts cited in The New York Times and Times of India:
“Up to 50% of heart attacks occur in people with normal cholesterol levels.”
“CAC score offers a direct look into the condition of the coronary arteries, unlike indirect markers like cholesterol.”
In simple terms:
Cholesterol is a risk factor.
Calcium score is actual evidence.
🧪 Top 5 Lab Tests to Predict Early Heart Disease (as per TheHealthSite)
Along with the CAC scan, here are other important tests:
High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) – detects inflammation.
Lipoprotein(a) – genetic marker linked to heart disease.
Apolipoprotein B (ApoB) – better predictor than LDL.
NT-proBNP – identifies early heart failure risk.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scan (CAC) – gold standard for early detection.
However, among all these, the CAC scan stands out because it shows actual plaque burden, not just potential risk.
✅ Who Should Get a CAC Scan?
According to the American Heart Association and leading cardiologists, you should consider a CAC scan if:
You are over 40 (men) or over 45 (women)
You have family history of heart disease
You have borderline or moderate cholesterol
You don’t smoke, are active, but still want clarity
You have diabetes, hypertension, or metabolic syndrome
You’re considering starting statins (the scan helps in deciding)
📊 Understanding Your Calcium Score
| Calcium Score | Interpretation | Heart Disease Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No calcification | Very low risk |
| 1-100 | Mild calcification | Low to moderate risk |
| 101–400 | Moderate plaque present | Moderate to high risk |
| 400+ | Extensive plaque build-up | High risk of heart disease |
A score of 0 means you have less than 1% chance of a heart attack in the next 10 years.
🏥 How Much Does It Cost in India?
The cost of a CAC scan in India ranges between ₹2,000 to ₹6,000 depending on the city and diagnostic center. While not typically covered under routine check-ups, many hospitals now offer it as part of executive health packages.
🧘♂️ Prevention is Still the Best Medicine
While CAC scan tells you what’s going on inside your arteries, the real goal is prevention. Based on your score, your doctor may recommend:
Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, sleep)
Medications (statins, aspirin, BP meds)
Further tests (like stress ECG, angiography)
🌟 Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait for Symptoms
Most people don’t get a second chance after their first heart attack. By the time chest pain occurs, arteries might already be 90% blocked.
As India Today noted:
“The Coronary Calcium Scan may not just detect disease — it could actually prevent death.”
If you’re between 40–70 years old, especially with a busy lifestyle, family history, or existing health issues — ask your doctor about this test.
You don’t need symptoms to check your heart.
You just need the will to know.
