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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.
Cardiovascular Calcium Test (Coronary Artery Calcium Score)
Introduction
The cardiovascular calcium test, also known as the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score, is a specialized imaging test that helps assess heart disease risk by measuring the amount of calcium in the coronary arteries. This is done using a CT scan (computed tomography).
Why is the Calcium Score Important?
Calcium deposits in the arteries indicate atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in the walls of the arteries. Over time, this can lead to narrowing of the arteries, increasing the risk of: - Heart attacks - Strokes - Angina (chest pain) - Other cardiovascular diseases
Who Should Get a CAC Test?
The test is generally recommended for individuals who: - Are between the ages of 40-70 and have an intermediate risk of heart disease. - Have one or more risk factors, such as: - High blood pressure (hypertension) - High cholesterol (hyperlipidemia) - Diabetes - Smoking history - Obesity - Family history of heart disease - Are unsure whether they need medication such as statins for heart disease prevention.
How is the Test Performed?
- A CT scanner takes detailed images of your heart.
- The test is non-invasive, requiring no injections or contrast dye.
- It takes about 10 minutes.
- The results are given as a calcium score, which indicates the severity of plaque buildup.
Understanding the Calcium Score
The calcium score ranges are: - 0 – No calcium, lowest risk of heart disease. - 1-99 – Mild plaque buildup, low to moderate risk. - 100-399 – Moderate plaque buildup, higher risk of heart disease. - 400+ – High plaque buildup, significantly increased risk of heart attacks.
What to Do After Getting a Calcium Score
Depending on your score, your doctor may suggest: - Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, exercise, quitting smoking) - Medications (statins, blood pressure control, aspirin in some cases) - Further testing or cardiac evaluation
Conclusion
A cardiovascular calcium test is a valuable tool to assess heart disease risk, especially for people with intermediate risk. It helps doctors make informed decisions about prevention and treatment. If you have risk factors for heart disease, discuss with your doctor whether this test is right for you.
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://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Cardiovascular Prevention
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-Prevention-Guidelines
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/34/3227/6358713
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/CVD-and-Diabetes-Guidelines
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34458905/
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
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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!
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