4 Medical Tests Worth Asking About

Coronary Calcium Screening
This imaging test measures calcified plaque in arteries. (Too much plaque can restrict blood flow to the heart and cause a stroke or heart attack.)

Who should consider it: People between ages 40 and 70 at increased risk for heart disease, with at least one risk factor (obesity; past tobacco use; a history of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes; or a family history of heart disease). Some people who are younger than 40 but have high cholesterol in their family may want this screening. These tests are becoming more common all the time, but they aren’t covered by all insurers.

DEXA Scan
These scans use an X-ray technique to check the density of your bones. They can also assess lean muscle mass, body fat levels, and visceral fat (fat around the organs, which can increase disease risks).

Who should consider it: Starting at age 65, women should have a DEXA scan to check their bone health. Men should have this at age 70. (It’s sometimes given to younger people at high risk for osteoporosis or if doctors want a baseline measurement.) These scans are covered by Medicare every two years for people who qualify. But if you have a DEXA scan because you’re curious about your body composition, it’s likely to cost $150 to $300.

VO₂ Max Test
Typically done on a treadmill or stationary bike, the VO₂ max test measures your body’s maximum ability to deliver oxygen to muscles. Tracking this over time can demonstrate just how much cardiovascular fitness you are gaining or losing.

Who should consider it: People who want to closely monitor their cardiovascular fitness and don’t mind paying out of pocket. (It’s in the ballpark of $100.) But keeping an eye on whether you’re able to do the same aerobic activities you used to do (going up stairs without getting winded, for example) can also provide a reasonably good sense of your cardiovascular strength, Hummel says.