Center forHeart AttackPrevention

Heart disease often hides until a heart attack. A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan can find it early, while prevention still works. Learn what it is, who it's for, and where to get one.

Learn about CAC scans
  • Plaque builds silently
  • Calcium is the signal
  • Prevention saves lives

Made possible with support from

  • Yowei Family Foundation
  • Gerstner Family Foundation
  • The Lingham Foundation

40s

Someone in the U.S. has a heart attack about every 40 seconds.

Source: CDC, Heart Disease Facts

805,000

Heart attacks in the U.S. every year.

Source: CDC, Heart Disease Facts

80%

Of premature heart disease and stroke is preventable.

Source: World Heart Federation

#1

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.

Source: CDC, Heart Disease Facts

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Making the case for the mammogram for the heart

The latest from @Ctr4HeartAtkPrv on heart scans, cholesterol, and catching heart disease early.

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Know your numbers

The 8 essentials of heart health

Screening is the first step. The American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 are the four behaviors and four health factors that shape your risk from there.

01

Eat better

Whole foods, lean protein, nuts, and plant-based oils.

02

Be more active

About 150 minutes of moderate activity a week.

03

Quit tobacco

Including vaping and secondhand smoke.

04

Get healthy sleep

Most adults need 7 to 9 hours a night.

05

Manage weight

A healthy weight for your body takes strain off your heart.

06

Control cholesterol

High non-HDL cholesterol drives plaque buildup.

07

Manage blood sugar

High blood sugar damages heart and blood vessels.

08

Manage blood pressure

Under 120/80 mm Hg is considered normal.

Coronary artery calcium screening

Heart CT (CAC)Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to the most common questions about coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening. The scan takes about 5 minutes, and builds a baseline to track heart health over time.

Coronary artery calcium is calcification within atherosclerotic plaques — fatty deposits that develop in the coronary arteries over time. Its presence indicates coronary artery disease and reflects overall plaque burden. Higher CAC scores are associated with a greater risk of future heart attacks and other cardiovascular events.

Center for Heart Attack Prevention×Function Health

We've partnered with Function Health so more people can get a Heart CT (CAC) scan. Eligible adults 35–85 can book through Function.

Get a CAC scan with Function

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@ctr4heartatkprv

Know your number. Know your risk. Prevent, don't react.

What is a coronary artery calcium (CAC) CT scan? A fast, non-invasive CT scan of the heart.
It measures calcium in the heart's arteries. Plaque calcifies over time.
Plaque builds silently for years. CAC scans reveal risk before symptoms appear.
Who benefits from a CAC scan?
Anyone 40+, especially with family history, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking history.
You may not have heard about it because prevention doesn't make headlines.
Heart attacks are often preventable. We focus on stopping them early.
A nonprofit dedicated to early detection and access to care.
We use mobile CT scans to bring prevention directly to communities.

Know your number. Know your risk.

Ready for a CAC scan? Through our partner Function Health, eligible adults 35 to 85 can get a Heart CT (CAC) scan.

Get a CAC scan with Function Follow @Ctr4HeartAtkPrv

You'll be taken to Function Health's website. A CAC scan isn't for anyone with chest pain or other symptoms. If you think you're having a heart attack, call 911.