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Calcium can build up in our bodies, and if it builds up in the important blood vessels that carry blood to the heart, it can lead to a heart attack or worse.
A laboratory test called coronary artery calcium scoring can help determine the condition of your arteries and help your doctor treat or reverse problems associated with these buildups.
“The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, and we use this test as a marker of possible plaque within these arteries,” said North Central Heart’s Structural and Interventional Cardiology Specialist. said Dr. John Wagner of FSCAI. “We can determine who is at high risk for myocardial infarction or heart attack.”
Wagner also serves as medical director of Avera Heart Hospital in South Dakota and medical director of cardiovascular disease at Avera McKennan Hospital and University Health Center.
What is Calcium Score?
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body. Required for strong bones and teeth and many other important functions.
But too much calcium, especially from meat, eggs, and dairy products, can clog the veins that supply oxygen to the heart. A test called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) test, also called a coronary artery calcium or cardiac CT calcium scan, looks for calcium deposits in the arteries that can reduce blood flow.
This scan can detect coronary artery disease before other signs appear. The scan takes pictures of your arteries and looks for plaque buildup. Calcium can cause these disorders that narrow the blood vessels that carry blood.
Cardiovascular screening and calcium testing can help prevent heart problems
People between the ages of 40 and 70 who have no symptoms and are at borderline risk for heart disease can benefit from a coronary artery calcium score.
“We also look into your background,” he said. Here’s what heart specialists are looking for:
- Family history of heart disease
- Current or past tobacco product use
- Are overweight or have a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher
- high cholesterol level
- inactive lifestyle
“The results of your coronary artery calcium score can tell your cardiologist or health care provider whether you are at high risk for heart disease,” Wagner says. “That’s why it’s important to get tested. Your medications may need to be changed or added to prevent heart disease.”
Heart disease can affect people of all ages, including those under 40.
Take the next step towards heart health
- phone 605-322-6877 To reserve a screening near you,
- Learn more about Avera’s Planet Heart screening service.
How Calcium/Plaque Testing Works
This test uses a CT scan, which specifically looks at the coronary arteries. CT focuses on the chest. Cardiovascular screenings like Avella’s Planet Heart include this non-invasive procedure, which typically takes him less than 30 minutes.
Avera’s tests use advanced technology and are performed by cardiovascular specialists, so you can get information about your heart health while learning how to reduce your risk factors. Testing is often not covered by health insurance, but it is affordable.
Test scores can run from 0 to over 1,000. Evidence of coronary artery disease (CAD) is present when the score is greater than zero, but the score typically falls within the following ranges:
- 100 or less, mild proof of CAD
- 100-400, moderate evidence
- Over 400, strong evidence
“A typical score is zero, which is sometimes called a negative scan, which is good news,” Wagner said. “But calcium score is just one risk factor for heart disease.”
Testing can save lives.
What should I do if my calcium score is high?
If tests show an elevated coronary artery calcium score, action can be taken.
“Some people may look healthy, but their scores are high,” Wagner said. A high score indicates a high risk of developing heart disease in the future.
“It’s important to address potential risk factors through lifestyle changes and medication with your health care provider or cardiologist,” he added. “Timing is critical. If this condition goes undetected, it can continue to build up and reduce heart health. Delaying testing can delay starting effective medications.”
Wagner said the following people may not need to be tested:
- People who have already been diagnosed with CAD
- People at low risk of heart disease
- pregnant person
“Patients who are already being treated for CAD or who are at high risk for heart disease are less likely to benefit from testing,” Wagner said. He said there are additional tests that can help check cardiovascular health.
Medications and lifestyle changes can reduce your risk of heart disease
If your coronary artery calcium score is low, your cardiologist will recommend continuing a healthy lifestyle, including proper exercise and diet, as well as regular visits with your primary care provider.
“If your coronary artery calcium score is elevated, in addition to lifestyle changes, we recommend taking a lower dose of 81 milligrams of aspirin,” Wagner said. In addition, patients with high scores will be able to:
- Get a prescription for a high-strength statin drug. Helps manage cholesterol levels.
- Exercise more often, especially several times a week, to get your heart rate up.
- Change your diet by eating more whole foods, less salt, and fewer processed foods.
- Take any additional tests recommended by your provider.
- Plan follow-up appointments to keep a close eye on what you’re facing.
“Calcium scoring tests have health benefits,” Wagner says. “Talk to your provider about that.”
Learn more about what you can do to keep your heart healthy.
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