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CAC is pretty common, but I prefer Coronary CT Angiography, which is much more detailed CT of the heart and coronary arteries using IV contrast. It's a bit more
by IAmGraydon 1y ago
CAC is pretty common, but I prefer Coronary CT Angiography, which is much more detailed CT of the heart and coronary arteries using IV contrast. It's a bit more radiation, but it shows soft plaque and arterial narrowing, which CAC does not.
- rsanek 1y agoseeing soft plaque is critical, as is the structure of vessels such as the aorta. highly recommend getting the more expensive test.
- Mistletoe 1y agoHow do you get one and what is the cost?
- justlikereddit 1y agoA CAC scan is a non-contrast CT scan and a coronary angiography is a contrast CT scan. They are both ECG gated scans of the heart otherwise so they're pretty much the same scan area and same scan duration, if you're hooked for a Coronary CT angiography you can easily get the CAC at the same time by doing a scan sweep before contrast administration (at the cost of 2 minutes of time and an extra dose of radiation) Though the logistics surrounding contrast administration makes it a bit more fiddly with a slightly higher risk profile.
- IAmGraydon 1y agoI got one a couple of years ago when I was 41 due to a recurring palpitation and non-standard EKG reading. They are more commonly used to really get a good view of things before heart surgery, but it really depends upon your doctor. The cost usually ranges from $300 to $1,000.
- quantumwoke 1y agoIt's better, but the contrast and much higher radiation dose compared to CAC carry their own risks. Individuals can evaluate their own risk but I wouldn't get this test under the age of 40 or 45 or so unless I had diabetes.