Preventive cardiologists have a wonderful tool for noninvasively identifying plaque (atherosclerosis) in the arteries to the heart: the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. Since 1/3 of Americans die from atherosclerotic
I’ve seen a flurry of scientific papers and media reports recently suggesting that a zero coronary artery calcium (CAC) score has lost its ability to portend an excellent cardiovascular prognosis.
As I strolled into my PCP’s office this past September for my annual checkup & flu shots, I had no idea that I was about to become a “case study”
For far too long, many patients have undergone a cardiac test that carries grave risks with the misunderstanding that they are getting the definitive assessment of their coronary arteries. Chances
Unless you live in Texas you will have to pay out of pocket for a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. Insurers and Medicare won’t pay a dime for this simple test
The skeptical cardiologist admits to being a coffee snob and addict. For the last 10 years, I’ve been using the Chemex system to brew my morning cup of Java. Once
One reason the skeptical cardiologist has been so enthusiastic about coronary calcium (CAC) scans is that I have found them to be highly reproducible and highly accurate.Unlike most imaging tests
The skeptical cardiologist was listening to a podcast discussion between Sam Harris and Eric Topol recently and became flabbergasted. Topol, the “world-renowned cardiologist” who is seemingly everywhere in media these
Anthony C. Pearson M.D., F.A.C.C. is a cardiologist, musician, writer and a regular columnist at MedPage Today