Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death globally, but understanding your risk can be an important step toward prevention. A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan is a highly effective tool for detecting heart disease early. By providing detailed images of your heart, these scans can identify potential risks long before symptoms appear, empowering you to take action.
This article will explain how CAC scans work, why they are important, and how they can help you care for your heart.
What is a Coronary Artery Calcium Scan?
A coronary artery calcium scan is a fast, painless procedure. It uses advanced computed tomography (CT) technology to capture detailed images of your heart.
It checks for calcium buildup in the walls of your heart arteries, which carry blood rich in oxygen to your heart.
If calcium is found, it is a sign that your arteries might be narrowing. This is because of a condition called atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis, also known as hardening of the arteries, is a serious problem. It can cause heart attacks or strokes.
By spotting calcium buildup early, CAC scans help doctors figure out how much plaque is in your arteries. This enables them to assess your likelihood of developing heart-related issues.
How Coronary Artery Calcium Scans Predict Heart Disease Risk
Now, let’s look at how CAC scans predict the likelihood of individuals developing heart disease.
Measuring the Calcium Score
During a CAC scan, the imaging process captures detailed pictures of your coronary arteries. Once the scan is complete, it is analyzed to calculate your coronary calcium score.
This score ranges from 0 to over 400 and provides vital information about your heart health:
- Score of 0: No calcium detected, indicating a low risk of heart disease.
- Score of 1-99: Presence of mild calcium, suggesting low to moderate risk.
- Score of 100-399: Moderate levels of calcium, indicating higher risk.
- Score of 400 or higher: Significant calcium deposits, associated with serious heart disease risk.
The calcium score gives doctors a clear picture of your current heart health. It allows them to recommend preventive measures tailored to your risk level.
The Predictive Power of a CAC Scan
CAC scans have proven to be highly predictive of future heart disease events, including heart attacks.
Individuals with higher calcium scores are more likely to experience cardiovascular problems. Individuals with a score of 400 or above face a particularly heightened level of risk. This predictive accuracy bridges a critical gap in heart health monitoring.
Critical risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol provide valuable insights into overall health. However, they do not always paint a complete picture. CAC scans add an extra layer of precision.
This ensures a more comprehensive understanding of your heart disease risk.
When to Consider a CAC Scan
A CAC scan is not a test for everyone. It is most useful for people with an intermediate risk who are uncertain about their risk level.
Here are some scenarios where a doctor may recommend it:
- Heart disease runs in your family.
- You are over 40 with risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes.
- You are experiencing inconclusive results from other tests.
It is important to consult your doctor to determine whether this test is suitable for you.
Benefits of a CAC Scan
Below are the benefits of a CAC scan:
Early Detection and Prevention
The earlier you identify your risk factors, the more effectively you can manage them.
CAC scans provide valuable insights that enable early intervention. In turn, this helps reduce the likelihood of serious cardiovascular events.
Individualized Treatment Plans
Your calcium score enables your doctor to create a tailored prevention and treatment plan designed specifically for you.
This plan could include lifestyle changes, medications, or further diagnostic tests to lower your risk.
Motivation for Lifestyle Changes
Learning your calcium score can act as a wake-up call. For many people, seeing the physical evidence of calcium buildup helps them adopt healthier habits.
This includes improving their diet, exercising, and quitting smoking.
Non-Invasive and Safe
The procedure is painless, requires no injections, and takes only about 10 minutes to complete. The radiation exposure is minimal, making CAC scans both safe and convenient.
What Happens After the Scan?
Once you receive your calcium score, your doctor will discuss your results in detail. Depending on your risk level, they may recommend steps such as:
- Embracing a heart-healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support overall well-being
- Staying active with regular exercise to boost cardiovascular health and maintain a healthy weight
- Effectively managing existing conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes to reduce health risks
- Using prescribed medications, like statins to lower cholesterol or aspirin to reduce inflammation, as directed by your healthcare provider.
Remember, a CAC scan is not a standalone solution but part of a broader strategy to protect your heart.
Regular follow-ups with your doctor and consistent efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle are crucial.
Coronary Artery Calcium Scans in Boca Raton, FL
At Advanced Heart and Vascular Institute, we are committed to helping you take control of your heart health. Our team of experienced cardiologists specializes in the use of advanced diagnostic tools like CAC scans.
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and actionable steps to reduce their risk of heart disease. By choosing us, you are partnering with a team dedicated to your long-term well-being. Are you concerned about your heart health or want to learn more about coronary artery calcium scans? If so, call us at (561) 235-5621 or submit an appointment request form. Take the first step toward a healthier heart today.
We look forward to serving you!
Sources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16824-calcium-score-screening-heart-scan
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686
