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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.
Heart Scan Test: What You Need to Know
Introduction
A heart scan, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a specialized imaging test used to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test helps assess the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and potential heart problems.
What is a Heart Scan?
A heart scan is typically performed using a computed tomography (CT) scan, specifically coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring. The scan measures the amount of calcium in your heart’s arteries, which can indicate plaque buildup and potential blockages.
Why is a Heart Scan Done?
A doctor may recommend a heart scan if you have: - A family history of heart disease - Risk factors for CAD (high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, or obesity) - Intermediate risk of a heart attack based on other health assessments
How is the Test Performed?
- The test is painless and non-invasive.
- You lie on a table while a special CT scanner takes detailed images of your heart.
- The procedure takes about 10-15 minutes.
- No contrast dye or injections are needed.
Interpreting the Results
- Calcium Score = 0: No detectable heart disease risk.
- 1-100: Mild plaque buildup, low risk of heart disease.
- 101-400: Moderate plaque, increased risk.
- Over 400: High risk, significant coronary artery disease may be present.
Who Should Get a Heart Scan?
This test is usually not recommended for everyone. Instead, it is best for people with a moderate risk of heart disease, rather than those with a known diagnosis of CAD or very low risk.
Next Steps After Your Scan
- A low score may mean lifestyle modifications are sufficient.
- A high score may require medication (e.g., statins) and further testing (stress test, angiography).
- Always discuss your results with your cardiologist for the best course of action.
Final Thought
A heart scan is a useful tool for assessing cardiovascular risk, but it’s not a standalone diagnostic tool. It should be used in combination with other cardiovascular risk assessments.
Source recommendations
1. European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease 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.portailvasculaire.fr/sites/default/files/docs/2021_esc_guidelines_prevention_cardiovasculaire_ehj.pdf
2. American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677
- https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements/prevent-calculator
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/cir.0000000000000678
- https://tools.acc.org/ascvd-risk-estimator-plus/
- https://newsroom.heart.org/news/leading-cardiologists-reveal-new-heart-disease-risk-calculator
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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.