Love Your Heart: The Power of Cardiac CT Calcium Scoring

Taking care of your heart is important for your overall well-being. That's why it's crucial to identify the risk factors associated with heart-related diseases for early prevention and intervention. In this blog post, we will explore why heart health is so important and discuss the role of cardiac CT calcium scoring in helping maintain a healthy heart. Let's get started!

Understanding coronary artery disease

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a type of heart disease resulting from the buildup of plaque, or fatty deposits,  in the heart's arteries. The plaque buildup eventually ends up narrowing the coronary arteries, reducing the amount of oxygen-rich blood that can flow to the heart. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood, leading to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. In some cases, the plaque can rupture and trigger the formation of a blood clot that can block the artery entirely and cause a heart attack.

Coronary artery disease is the most prevalent type of heart disease in the United States. It is also the third leading cause of death worldwide, resulting in nearly 18 million deaths each year. That’s why early detection of this disease is critical, as it allows healthcare providers to identify those who are at risk and provide appropriate treatments to prevent its progression.

Who is at risk for coronary artery disease?

There are several factors that can increase a person's chances of developing CAD. These include age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

If you have any of these risk factors, it's important to work with your healthcare provider to create a plan to reduce your risk of developing CAD. This might involve lifestyle changes, such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking. You may also receive recommendations from your provider to get preventive screenings, such as a cardiac calcium CT scan, to check for calcium in the arteries that supply the heart. This test helps to diagnose early coronary artery disease before you notice any symptoms.

The role of the cardiac calcium CT scan

A cardiac calcium CT scan is a non-invasive test that can be performed to examine your heart's arteries for calcium deposits. The test usually takes less than 15 minutes and uses a series of X-rays to take detailed pictures, measuring the amount of calcium in your heart's arteries.

A positive result on the scan indicates that calcium has been found in your coronary arteries, and you will be given a cardiac calcium "score," which can range from zero to more than 1,000. Your score gives your healthcare team an idea of how much plaque is present in your heart's arteries and can help predict your risk of developing coronary artery disease.

Who should consider a cardiac CT calcium scoring?

If anyone in your family has had heart disease at a young age, if you know you have a moderate risk for heart attacks, or if your level of heart attack risk is uncertain, you should discuss with your provider whether a cardiac CT calcium scoring is right for you. The score resulting from this scan can give you valuable information about your risk of heart disease and help you and your doctor plan the best treatment strategy for you.

Although a coronary calcium scan can be useful in assessing heart health, it's important to understand that this scan is usually not recommended as a general screening test for those who are already known to be at high risk of heart attacks. Additionally, if someone has previously suffered a heart attack, undergone a heart stent procedure, or had coronary bypass surgery, other tests or procedures are typically performed to evaluate the heart’s arteries.

If you have any concerns or questions about whether a coronary calcium scoring is right for you, check with your healthcare provider. They can help you make an informed decision that's best for your unique situation.

It's important to note that ‌insurance may not always cover cardiac CT calcium scoring despite being a vital part of preventive care. However, options like MDsave offer transparent and affordable pricing for people who may not have insurance or have high deductibles. Before opting for this procedure, it's crucial to talk to your insurance provider to clarify any doubts regarding coverage.

Conclusion

A healthy and fulfilling life begins with a healthy heart, and ‌knowing your cardiac calcium score may be an essential tool to help manage your heart health. By understanding your risk factors for coronary heart disease and taking appropriate measures, such as getting a cardiac CT calcium scoring, you can enjoy a longer and healthier life.