Direct evidence of plaque formation

Cost-effective (often < $ 150)

Detects hard (calcified) plaque

Minimum exposure to radiation

Not covered by insurance

It does not detect soft plaque, which could cause a heart attack

Needs a doctor's order

Often confused with CT coronary angiography which a much more thorough test and can detect soft plaque as well

Cost-effective

No radiation involved

Evaluates blood supply to the brain

Can predict the risk of heart disease based on blood vessel condition

Preventive health screenings for $149 (special package pricing 50% off using affiliate link)

Does not look at the heart directly

Often not covered by insurance

Kidney function

Liver function

Thyroid function

Blood electrolytes

Blood cholesterol

Complete blood count

All the above +

C-reactive protein (inflammation detection)

Lipoprotein a (responsible for early onset heart disease)

Homocysteine A (responsible for early onset heart disease)

All the above +

NMR LipoProfile (gives information about LDL particle number which is the true culprit)

Determine if you are at risk for prediabetes or diabetes