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In the Industry Vocabulary Test
coronary artery calcium score
Also written as: CAC — coronary artery calcium score
A CT-derived measurement quantifying calcium deposits in coronary arteries.
Full Definition
The coronary artery calcium score is a non-invasive imaging biomarker obtained through cardiac CT scanning that quantifies calcified plaque burden in the coronary arteries. Measured in Agatston units, the CAC score serves as a powerful predictor of future cardiovascular events and helps refine risk assessment beyond traditional risk factors. A score of zero indicates very low risk, while scores above 300 suggest high risk requiring intensive preventive interventions.
Usage
Usage note: Measured in Agatston units. Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier.
In Context
- "The patient's CAC score of 245 Agatston units reclassified her from intermediate to high risk." — Imaging report
- "Coronary artery calcium scoring may be considered for risk refinement in select patients." — Clinical guideline
Also known as
CAC score
Agatston score
calcium score
Don't confuse with
carotid intima-media thickness
ankle-brachial index