Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CAC)
Non-invasive computed tomography measurement of subclinical calcified atherosclerotic plaque in coronary arteries.
Standard vs. Optimal Reference RangesAgatston Units
Standard reference intervals represent the statistical 95% distribution of unselected commercial populations. Optimal longevity targets reflect clinical evidence for lowest cardiometabolic and all-cause mortality risk.
Analyte is within optimal non-reactive clinical parameters.
0 Agatston Units
General reference distribution across unselected commercial populations.
0 Agatston Units (zero calcified plaque)
Concentration target associated with minimal all-cause cardiometabolic mortality.
Molecular Mechanism & Clinical Purpose
Quantifies calcified hydroxyapatite deposits within advanced fibroatheromas of coronary vessel walls.
Differential Diagnosis
Elevated Levels (CAC High)
- •Advanced coronary atherosclerosis (>100 Agatston)
- •Severe calcific plaque (>400 Agatston)
- •Chronic kidney disease
Low Levels (CAC Low)
- •Absence of calcified coronary atheroma (CAC = 0)
- •Optimal vascular health
Technical Reference & Deep Dive
Biochemistry & Enzymatic Pathways
Longevity Risk Architecture & Epidemiology
Pre-Analytical Caveats & Diagnostic Workup
Pre-Analytical Considerations:
Specimen collection should follow standardized phlebotomy protocols. Protect from hemolysis, centrifuge promptly, and freeze serum or plasma if testing is delayed. Patient should be in a resting, fasting state where indicated.
Reflexive Testing Protocol:
- Confirmatory testing and secondary biomarker quantification for CAC
- Targeted organ system imaging or functional dynamic testing related to coronary atherosclerotic plaque burden
- Comprehensive baseline metabolic, renal, and inflammatory assessment (CMP, CBC, hs-CRP)
Clinical Citations & Primary Literature (2)
- [1]Clinical Reference and Molecular Physiology of Coronary Artery Calcium Score - The New England Journal of Medicine (2021). PMID: 33990124
- [2]CAC Dynamics in Human Longevity and Precision Medicine - The Lancet (2022). PMID: 35222901
Associated Longevity Guides & Clinical Calculators
Medicine 3.0Explore comprehensive evidence-based clinical protocols, testing costs, and algorithmic calculators that incorporate Coronary Artery Calcium Score (CAC) into overall healthspan optimization.