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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Calcium Score Test: A Key Check for Heart Health
Introduction
The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a specialized test that helps assess the risk of heart disease by detecting calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. This buildup, known as calcification , is an early indicator of atherosclerosis, a condition where arteries harden and narrow due to plaque accumulation.
Why is it Important?
Calcified plaques in the arteries increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular events . The test allows doctors to:
- Detect hidden heart disease in seemingly healthy individuals.
- Estimate the risk of future heart attacks.
- Make informed treatment decisions (e.g., lifestyle changes, cholesterol medications, or aspirin therapy).
Who Should Get Tested?
A calcium score test is typically recommended for patients who:
- Are 40 years or older with moderate heart disease risk factors.
- Have a family history of early heart disease.
- Have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoke.
- Are uncertain about starting preventive therapies (like statins).
How is the Test Performed?
The test is a non-invasive CT scan that takes images of the heart and measures calcium deposits in the arteries. The scoring system is as follows:
- 0: No calcification, low heart disease risk.
- 1-100: Mild calcification, moderate risk.
- 101-400: Moderate-to-high risk; additional preventive measures needed.
- 400+: High risk! Immediate medical intervention may be required.
What If My Score is High?
A high calcium score means your risk of heart disease is elevated, but it does not necessarily indicate a heart attack is imminent. Treatment may include:
- Strict blood pressure and cholesterol control.
- A heart-healthy diet (rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein).
- Regular exercise.
- Smoking cessation and stress management.
Conclusion
The calcium score test is a valuable tool for detecting early heart disease before symptoms appear. If you are at risk, talk to your doctor about the possibility of undergoing this simple, painless test to protect your heart health.
Source recommendations
1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Chronic Coronary Syndromes
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Chronic-Coronary-Syndromes
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/45/36/3415/7743115
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39210710/
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/41/3/407/5556137
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31504439/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
Our advantages:
We monitor all innovations and changes in the field of cardiac disease treatment on a daily basis.
Every 3-5 years, half of the scientific approaches to treatment in the field of cardiology are reviewed as a result of specialized scientific discoveries. With us, you don't have to wait these years to learn about the best ways to treat you and your loved ones.