My Experience with a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan: A Personal Journey
- Dr. K.
- Jul 29, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Heart Health
Last Friday, I went for a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan at the Farima Czyzyk Center for Cardiac Research and Wellness at the Lundquist Institute in Torrance. Living in Los Angeles, I made this personal decision after reflecting on my health. A few months ago, a cousin of mine, in his early thirties, died suddenly of a heart attack. He was happy, newly married, and full of life. The loss was devastating. It also made me rethink my approach to prevention.
That’s why I booked the scan.
The Scanning Process
The process was straightforward. I lay on a thin white stretcher that moved into a large circular machine. It looked like a wide doughnut but functioned like a tunnel once you were inside. I was asked to raise both arms above my head. My T-shirt was pulled up halfway so the midsection of my abdomen was exposed. Small sensors were attached to my chest, arm, and stomach. The setup took just a few minutes.
A recorded voice guided me through the scan with simple breathing instructions: “Breathe in. Hold. Breathe out.” As someone who feels mildly claustrophobic, these directions helped reduce my stress. I kept my eyes tightly shut the entire time, but I could feel a bright white light on my eyelids.
The entire scan lasted under three minutes.
What the Scan Revealed
The machine captured images of the four primary coronary arteries: left main, left anterior descending (LAD), circumflex, and right coronary artery. The purpose of the scan is to detect calcified plaque — hardened deposits in the arteries that can narrow blood flow and signal early coronary artery disease.
Yesterday, I received my report via email. My calcium score was zero — meaning no measurable calcified plaque was detected. This was good news! The report also included a percentile comparison to others of my age and sex, based on 30,000 persons scanned at Harbor-UCLA, a local hospital. I plan to bring the results to my general physician at my next physical for further discussion.
Limitations of the CAC Scan
The CAC scan isn’t a catch-all. It doesn’t detect soft plaque and doesn’t measure artery function. However, it’s one of the few non-invasive tools that can quantify calcified buildup before symptoms appear. For people over 40 — particularly those with risk factors like family history, high cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, diabetes, or chronic stress — it may be worth asking about.
Guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and National Lipid Association suggest CAC scanning for adults aged 40–75 who are at intermediate or borderline risk and need more data to guide preventive treatment decisions.
Making Informed Health Choices
This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Anyone considering a CAC scan should consult a licensed healthcare provider to determine whether it’s appropriate for their individual situation. My insurance did not cover this scan, but I did not need a physician's referral to request it. I paid under $200 for it.
Note: I was NOT compensated or commissioned by the Farima Czyzyk Center for Cardiac Research and Wellness to write this article.
In reflecting on my experience, I feel a sense of relief and empowerment. Taking proactive steps towards heart health is crucial. If you're contemplating a similar journey, I encourage you to explore your options. Understanding your body and its needs is a vital part of living a meaningful life.
