If the pa- tient or clinician remains uncertain about the need for statin therapy or if the patient has had side effects with a statin in the past, a CAC scan can be used to improve risk assessment. The absence of CAC in a nonsmoking man 40 years of age or a nonsmoking woman 45 years of age would indicate that the pa- tient is likely at very low risk of an ASCVD event over the subsequent decade. Such patients can then focus on lifestyle habits and delay the decision about statin therapy for about 5 years. Similarly, a CAC score 75th percentile for a patient s age and sex or an ab- solute score 100 Agatston units would support the decision to use statin therapy and intensify lifestyle modifications. Recommendation-Specific Supportive Text 1. 