Why Asymptomatic Adults Over 40 Should Consider It

Coronary Calcium Score Test: What Does a Coronary Calcium Score Mean?

Heart disease is the top cause of death globally, so researchers are continually working on innovations to prevent and treat cardiac issues. One helpful test is the coronary calcium scan, which can help customize treatment by determining a patient’s risk of heart attacks or stroke. This is done using a computerized tomography (CT) scan specially designed to look for calcium deposits in the heart arteries. Because calcium buildup can narrow the arteries and reduce blood flow, this cardiac CT scan for heart health is an important tool for catching coronary artery disease before symptoms even appear.

Why Adults 40+ Should Consider This Type of Heart Disease Screening

According to the American College of Cardiology, a patient’s level of coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an excellent indicator of cardiovascular health. A CAC test can help determine whether the person needs preventative treatments, and medications like statins combined with lifestyle changes. This cardiovascular disease risk marker can be determined using a coronary calcium score test, which is quick and painless. It’s particularly recommended for people over age 40 who have heart disease risk factors like a family history of cardiovascular disease, borderline high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or diabetes, as well as those who are overweight or lead sedentary lifestyles.

How the Scan Works and What the Score Means

Like a traditional x-ray, a CT scan uses radiation to record an image of the inside of the body. While x-rays offer a static image in black and white, a CT scan provides a detailed, computerized imaging with 360 degree views of various parts of the body. It is a much better test for the imaging of internal organs, bones, soft tissue, and blood vessels, and a cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium offers doctors a way to determine the presence, location, and extent of calcified plaque in coronary arteries. A radiologist will interpret the results of this test and determine the extent of coronary artery disease, based on the calcium score, which starts at 0 and goes above 400, depending on how much calcified plaque is identified. The lower the score, the better, and those who score 0 have no discernible calcification.

Calcium Score Benefits: Who Stands to Gain the Most?

The coronary calcium score test is not for everyone. People who already have symptoms like chest pain or pressure should not need the test, and neither do those without risk factors. This test is not meant to be a routine screening, but people over 40 with medium risk can greatly benefit from learning their level of calcification. Knowing your calcium score can help you make lifestyle changes and work with your doctor to craft a treatment plan designed to lower your risk of cardiovascular disease.

How Early Heart Risk Detection Helps Prevent Heart Attacks

The risk of heart disease increases as people age, but determining your risk early on allows you to intervene before you experience any ill effects. Many heart conditions do not present any symptoms in the early stages, so it’s crucial to work with your doctor to assess your risk factors early, allowing you to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart. Working with your doctor, you can implement lifestyle changes and decide which medical interventions will be most beneficial for you.

For Thorough Cardiovascular Testing, Including this Cardiac CT Scan for Heart Health, Contact CSNE

At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England (CSNE), we provide top tier cardiovascular care, including comprehensive testing. Using the most innovative technologies and solutions, we bring world-class heart care to our patients, striving to use minimally invasive treatments before turning to surgery. Leaders in their respective specialties of cardiovascular medicine, our cardiologists are committed to delivering the best outcomes by providing exceptional cardiac care, tailored to meet the needs of each individual patient. For cardiac and vascular care in New Hampshire that meets the highest standards of excellence, contact Cardiovascular Specialists of New England for an appointment.