CAC
Pronunciation: see-ay-see
Also written as: CAC — Coronary Artery Calcification
Coronary artery calcification detected on CT imaging, used for cardiovascular risk stratification.
Full Definition
CAC stands for coronary artery calcification, which refers to calcium deposits in the coronary arteries detected through specialized CT imaging. While related to the coronary artery calcium score, CAC as a term encompasses the broader concept of calcified atherosclerotic plaque in coronary vessels. The presence and extent of CAC correlates with overall atherosclerotic burden and provides powerful prognostic information for future cardiovascular events. CAC testing is particularly valuable for risk reclassification in patients at intermediate risk by traditional risk calculators.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from CAD (coronary artery disease) in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The patient's CAC scan revealed extensive calcification despite normal stress testing." — cardiology consultation note
- "CAC testing is recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment in select intermediate-risk patients." — clinical guideline summary