Heart disease — the leading killer of men and women in the US — causes 1 in every 4 deaths each year.

Smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes and a family history of heart disease may increase your risk. But some people with heart disease may not experience typical symptoms, such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath during physical activity.

If you are 45 or older and do not have typical symptoms, a CT scan known as a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) screening may help determine whether you have heart disease, said Dr. Wayne Pollak, a cardiologist at Memorial Cardiac and Vascular Institute. Calcium in the arteries indicates heart disease.

“This would alert patients and their physicians that more aggressive treatment is warranted,” Dr. Pollak said.