My First Coronary Calcium Scan
Living with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) means always thinking about heart health. At 36 years old, I’ve spent a lot of time managing my cholesterol, taking my medications, and doing my best to live a heart-healthy lifestyle. But one test I hadn’t had yet was a coronary calcium scan—and I had to advocate for it myself.
Why I Asked for a Coronary Calcium Scan
When I brought up the idea of a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan with my cardiologist, he was hesitant. He said the results wouldn’t change our current treatment plan, and getting a high score could create more anxiety for me. And I get that—FH is a lifelong condition, and we already know I need to keep my LDL cholesterol as low as possible. I’m already on a statin and a PCSK9 inhibitor, and that wouldn’t change, regardless of what my score ends up being.
But for me, it wasn’t just about treatment. I wanted to understand my personal risk factors on a deeper level. If my score came back high, I’d know I needed to make additional lifestyle adjustments. If it was low, it could give me some peace of mind. When I explained that, my cardiologist agreed, and I scheduled the scan.
Cost of a Coronary Calcium Scan
My cardiologist warned me that this test wasn’t covered by insurance. (It’s possible that it could be covered depending on the situation, but for me, it wasn’t.) The test cost $160 and I was able to pay with my health savings account.
What the Coronary Calcium Scan Was Like
I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the procedure itself was quick and painless. It’s essentially a CT scan of your heart, designed to detect calcified plaque in your coronary arteries. The entire process took about five minutes—no needles, no contrast dye, just a simple scan while lying on the table. Honestly, the hardest part was the anticipation!
My Results: A Score of Zero
After waiting for my results, I got great news—my coronary calcium score was zero. That means no detectable calcified plaque in my coronary arteries. For someone with FH, this was reassuring. While it doesn’t mean I’m risk-free (FH is still a major factor), it does suggest that my efforts to manage my cholesterol are paying off.
What This Means for My Health Journey
Even though my CAC score was zero, I know this isn’t a “free pass” to stop being proactive about my health. FH is a lifelong condition, and plaque can develop over time. But this result gives me confidence that what I’m doing is working—and it motivates me to stay consistent.
My Takeaways for Others with FH
- Advocate for yourself. If you’re curious about a test, ask for it. Even if your doctor is hesitant, having more information about your heart health can be empowering.
- A CAC score of zero is reassuring, but not the whole picture. Managing FH is about the long game—staying on top of cholesterol levels, medications, and lifestyle habits.
- Preventative care matters. Whether your score is zero or higher, early detection gives you the chance to adjust and make informed decisions about your health.
For me, getting this scan was 100% worth it. If you have FH and are wondering about your risk, it may be worth discussing with your doctor, too.
Have you had a coronary calcium scan? I’d love to hear your experience in the comments!
