American College of Cardiology Officially Recognizes Importance of 'Coronary Artery Calcium Score'

The world's leading medical society has updated its guidelines, ushering in an era where individuals can know their cardiovascular risk through numerical data. The Heart Imaging Clinic Iidabashi (CVIC), located in Shinjuku, Tokyo, will offer a "Speedy Cardiac Dock" screening—a 30-minute test to quantify heart and vascular risks—at a limited-time price of 33,000 yen (tax included) starting May 27, 2026. This initiative follows the March 2026 revision of the lipid management guidelines by the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association (ACC/AHA). These guidelines are not updated frequently, as they require rigorous review of the latest global research and evidence. This revision, the first in eight years, officially recommends the active use of the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score and treatment decisions based on it, marking a significant turning point that validates the importance of diagnostic imaging in cardiovascular medicine on a global scale. Since its opening in 2009, CVIC has recognized the importance of measuring the CAC score (an indicator of vascular damage) and has provided it to over 50,000 patients as a standard part of cardiac CT and cardiac dock examinations out of a total of 100,000 cardiac imaging tests. We view the official validation of our decade-long commitment by the ACC/AHA guidelines as a highly significant milestone. The new guidelines also highlight notable data: individuals who know their CAC score tend to maintain lower LDL cholesterol levels, which in turn suppresses the progression of atherosclerosis. In other words, "knowing the numbers" encourages behavioral changes and leads to prevention. This means the CAC score is not just a "test," but a starting point for protecting future health. In Japan, however, the importance of precise cardiac examinations and the concept of preventing cardiovascular disease are not widely understood. While cancer screenings are widely recognized and routine, the concept of preventing cardiovascular disease has yet to take root. Naturally, many people in Japan are unaware of the CAC score, which the ACC/AHA has now officially recommended. Approximately 50-60% of deaths from myocardial infarction occur suddenly without prior symptoms. Because there are no warning signs, prevention is the only way to stop the onset. Furthermore, general health checkups are insufficient for preventing cardiovascular disease. Only by undergoing a cardiac dock that includes imaging tests like cardiac CT or MRI can individuals accurately grasp their risk through numbers and take appropriate preventive measures before symptoms appear. Despite this, few Japanese health checkups include comprehensive cardiac docks, leaving it to individuals to seek them out. With approximately 330,000 people in Japan dying from cardiovascular diseases annually (2022 statistics), we believe the lack of preventive testing is a significant factor. CVIC has long addressed this issue through extensive cardiac imaging experience. Following the ACC/AHA guideline update, we decided to offer this special price to encourage as many people as possible to take the first step in "knowing their cardiovascular risk through numbers." The "Speedy Cardiac Dock" condenses 50,000 examinations of experience into 30 minutes. It serves as the "first step" in cardiovascular screening, combining CVIC's extensive experience with the latest medical evidence. The examination includes non-contrast CT (coronary artery + aorta) and blood tests, covering CAC score, aortic calcification score, and cardiovascular biomarkers (NT-proBNP, high-sensitivity cardiac troponin, Apolipoprotein B, and high-sensitivity CRP). Results are explained by a doctor online or in person. The special price is 33,000 yen (tax included) until the end of October 2026. CVIC also uniquely measures the aortic calcification score. Data shows that even if the CAC score is 0, about 60% of people may have aortic calcification. Calcification of the aortic arch is linked to cerebral infarction, making it crucial for early detection of atherosclerosis, especially in those under 50. By combining the ACC/AHA guidelines with our unique aortic calcification score, we offer more precise, personalized preventive strategies. Message from the Director: Since opening in 2009, CVIC has promoted "personalized cardiovascular care based on diagnostic imaging." We have been confident in the importance of the CAC score since day one and have provided it to over 50,000 patients. For us, the official mention in the ACC/AHA guidelines is a global recognition of our long-standing efforts. With this conviction, we will continue to contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, which claim 330,000 lives in Japan annually. Just 30 minutes. We sincerely hope this 30 minutes will be the first step in protecting your future health. Masahiro Terashima, Director, Heart Imaging Clinic Iidabashi (CVIC).