Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC)
What is Coronary artery calcification (CAC)?
Coronary artery calcification develops over many years as part of a gradual build-up of fatty deposits (plaque) within the artery walls. Over time, calcium is deposited within this plaque, making it more visible on scans.
This process can begin silently from early adulthood and can progress without symptoms. Many people are unaware they have CAC until it is found on imaging performed for another reason.
CAC is usually identified on:
- CT scans of the chest (including lung cancer screening scans)
- Dedicated heart scans called coronary calcium scoring scans
It is often reported as mild, moderate, or severe depending on how much calcium is seen.
Early detection of CAC allows us to reduce your risk and support long-term heart health.
What does CAC mean for me?
CAC is not an emergency finding, but it is an important indicator of your cardiovascular health. It helps clinicians:
- Estimate your future risk of heart disease
- Decide whether preventative treatment (e.g. statins) would be beneficial
- Guide lifestyle and medical management
Even small amounts of CAC suggest some degree of plaque build-up.
Does CAC go away?
Calcium deposits do not usually disappear. However:
- Treatment can help to break down and reduce plaque build up, making it less likely to rupture
- Cholesterol-lowering therapy can slow or stop progression
- Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of complications
The goal of treatment is to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, and not removal of existing calcium deposits.
Why early action matters
CAC is a valuable early warning sign. Acting early can:
- Reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
- Slow the progression of artery disease
- Improve long-term heart health
Many people with CAC live long, healthy lives with appropriate management.
What factors can increase risk?
Risk factors include
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Being overweight or
- Physically inactive, and
- Family history of heart disease.
Medications - Statins
Statins are commonly recommended to lower cholesterol and reduce risk. They lower ‘bad’ (LDL) cholesterol by helping to break down and stabilise plaque buildup, thereby helping reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. They are typically taken once daily on a long-term basis.
What else can I reduce my risk?
Healthy lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
- Eat more fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and fibre.
- Choose healthy fats such as olive oil and oily fish.
- Reduce saturated fat, sugar, and salt.
- Stop smoking
- Exercise regularly (at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week), maintain a healthy weight
- Llimit alcohol intake
- Aim for good sleep and stress management.
Statin side effects
Most people tolerate statins well. Common side effects include muscle aches, headache, and indigestion. Less commonly, liver blood tests may be affected and are monitored. Rarely, severe muscle pain or weakness can occur and requires urgent medical advice.
Monitoring
You may be offered cholesterol blood tests, liver function tests, blood pressure checks, and regular review with your GP or Clinical Pharmacist.
When to seek urgent help
Call 999 if you have chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm, neck or jaw, or sudden weakness or dizziness.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your results or treatment options, please contact the Practice. Early detection of CAC allows us to reduce your risk and support long-term heart health
