Instalab
Login
2024.09.06  |  Heart Health
The CAC Test: A Cost-Effective Tool That Could Save Your Life
The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) test is a powerful, non-invasive tool for assessing your risk of heart disease. It's a quick scan that measures the calcium buildup in the arteries of your heart, an early indicator of atherosclerosis—a condition that leads to heart disease.

By providing a CAC score, the test offers a clear picture of your future risk of cardiovascular events. The higher your CAC score, the more calcified plaque you have in your arteries, increasing your heart disease risk. On the other hand, a score of zero indicates a low risk of heart disease.
Instalab Research Team


Why is the CAC Test So Important?
Traditional cholesterol tests can't always tell the full story about your heart health. A 2018 study published in JAMA Cardiology found that people with a CAC score above zero were 4.5 times more likely to experience a cardiovascular event than those with a score of zero, even when their cholesterol levels appeared "normal."
In another study from The New England Journal of Medicine, researchers discovered that nearly 15% of individuals with healthy lipid levels (like LDL cholesterol) still had detectable calcification in their arteries, putting them at a heightened risk for heart disease.
A Real-Life Example: Solid Lipid Levels but a Non-Zero CAC Score
Take the case of Jasper, a 47-year-old patient at Instalab with no known health concerns. His lipid levels, including LDL cholesterol and ApoB, were well within the optimal range. Yet, due to his family history of early heart disease—his father had a heart attack at 58—he decided to undergo a CAC test. The result: a score of 127, placing him in the moderate-risk category. Although his cholesterol levels were healthy, the calcified plaque revealed early signs of atherosclerosis.
Jasper's case highlights why relying solely on cholesterol levels doesn't provide a complete view of cardiovascular health. The CAC test pinpointed his elevated risk, prompting him to take proactive steps, including lifestyle changes like improving his diet, exercising more, and eventually discussing prescription medications with his doctor.
Who Should Get a CAC Test?
CAC testing is especially valuable for people over 40, particularly those uncertain about their heart disease risk. If you have a family history of heart disease or other risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes, the CAC test could offer life-saving insights.
While lipid tests are useful, they don't always tell the full story. A non-zero CAC score means calcified plaque is already present in your arteries, raising your heart disease risk. If you're considering starting medications like statins, the CAC test can be a crucial factor in deciding whether they are necessary.
According to the American College of Cardiology guidelines:
ScoreRisk LevelRecommended Action
0Low RiskNo immediate need for prescription medication
1-100Mild Plaque BuildupFocus on lifestyle modifications
Over 100Moderate to High RiskPrescription medications recommended with lifestyle changes
What If My CAC Score Is Zero?
If your CAC score is zero, the immediate focus should be on lifestyle improvements, such as adopting a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and potentially adding natural supplements like Berberine to your routine. Research shows that individuals with a zero CAC score have a very low risk (less than 1%) of experiencing a heart attack within the next five years. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can keep that risk low.
The Cost of a CAC Test
Unfortunately, many insurance plans don't cover CAC testing, although states like Texas are starting to offer exceptions. The cost of a CAC test typically ranges between $100 and $150, depending on your location. At Instalab, we work with our members to identify affordable testing options and can assist you in scheduling your appointment at a nearby facility.
To order a CAC test, you can either request one through your primary care physician or click here to book directly with Instalab.
The Bottom Line: Don't Rely on Lipid Levels Alone
Even if your cholesterol levels are within the normal range, you could still be at risk for heart disease. A CAC test offers an additional, critical layer of information that helps you and your doctor make more informed decisions about your heart health. For someone like Jasper, with solid lipid levels but a non-zero CAC score, the test was a game changer. It allowed him to take proactive measures to lower his cardiovascular risk and potentially prevent a life-threatening event.
If you're over 40, have risk factors for heart disease, or simply want a more complete picture of your heart health, a CAC test could be the key to catching problems before they become serious.
Sources
  • Greenland, P., Blaha, M., Budoff, M., Erbel, R., & Watson, K. (2018). Coronary Calcium Score and Cardiovascular Risk.. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72 4, 434-447 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.05.027
Related ArticlesRelated
View All
otionHow to Test for Mercury Exposure
How to Test for Mercury Exposure
Mercury is a toxic metal that can affect the brain, kidneys, and nervous system, and testing is important if you've had possible exposure through fish, workplace contact, or accidental spills. The right test depends on the type and timing of exposure.
Lab Tests
otionThe 3 Most Time-Efficient Workouts for a Longer Life
The 3 Most Time-Efficient Workouts for a Longer Life
At Instalab, we believe nothing beats a consistently active lifestyle. Movement is medicine, and the more you do it, the better. But if you're strapped for time this week, you don't have to throw in the towel. Research shows that even short, strategic workouts can provide serious health benefits. Here's how to make every minute of exercise count.
Exercise  |  Longevity
otionSoft Plaque: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Arteries
Soft Plaque: The Hidden Danger Lurking in Your Arteries
When we think about heart health, many of us are familiar with the idea of "hardening" arteries or the buildup of calcium in the blood vessels. But there's another, more dangerous culprit lurking within your arteries that often goes unnoticed: soft plaque. Unlike its calcified counterpart, soft plaque can be more unpredictable and potentially life-threatening, even when you feel perfectly healthy.
Heart Health  |  Prevention