Early detection of risks is crucial for preventing serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. One powerful tool for assessing heart disease risk is cardiac calcium scoring. In this article, we delve into the screening, what it involves and who it is appropriate for.
What Does Cardiac Calcium Scoring Involve?
Cardiac calcium scoring visualizes plaque buildup in the coronary arteries, which supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients. As people age, atherosclerosis (plaque buildup) can clog these arteries, reducing oxygen flow and leading to heart attacks or heart muscle weakness.
In the past, doctors used risk factors like blood pressure and cholesterol to assess heart disease risk. Calcium scoring takes a different approach. It uses a CT scan to measure the amount of plaque present and provides specific data to help doctors and patients make informed decisions about heart health. This method is safe and noninvasive and offers direct insight into heart disease risk.
The scoring breakdown follows these metrics:
- Zero indicates no calcium (and is ideal)
- One to 100 is low
- 101 to 300 is intermediate
- Above 300 is high, signaling significant plaque buildup
One important consideration with this test is that cardiac calcium scoring is a valuable screening tool for assessing underlying risk. However, it’s not ideal for diagnosing symptomatic heart disease. This is because it doesn’t show whether plaque buildup is blocking blood flow, a factor that causes symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. In such cases, a CT angiogram, which uses intravenous dye to show blockage percentages, may be more informative.
Who Should Consider a Cardiac Calcium Scoring Test?
Individuals who should consider a cardiac calcium scoring test are men over 38 and women over 45 with certain heart disease risk factors. These factors include:
- diabetes
- tobacco use
- high blood pressure
- abnormal cholesterol levels
- family history of heart disease
For many, knowing a family member has had heart disease raises concerns about their own risk. Yet, blood tests alone cannot measure that risk. Cardiac calcium scoring can be an important screening tool for those with these risk factors in the specified age groups.
This test may not be covered by health insurance, Medicare or Medicaid. Check with your insurance provider to find out. The cardiology practice will be able to tell you how much the out-of-pocket costs will be.
How Often Should Individuals Undergo a Cardiac Calcium Scoring Test?
A reassessment in five years can help track any change in heart disease risk among individuals with a calcium score of zero. If the calcium score is higher than zero, repeat testing may not add value. Instead, individuals should shift to preventive measures like managing cholesterol and blood pressure and smoking cessation.
Regular doctor visits also allow for reassessing symptoms. If symptoms arise, further tests, such as a CT angiogram or stress test, may be more useful. It’s important to enlist the expertise of a cardiologist to determine which tests are appropriate.
Final Thoughts
Cardiac calcium scoring marks a new era in cardiology by using personalized medicine. It offers patients a clear visualization of plaque in their arteries, helping them better understand how to address heart disease risks proactively. This standard, simple, safe, and noninvasive test enables patients to engage in preventive care with their doctors.
Alongside cardiac calcium scoring, patients should focus on essential lifestyle measures, including:
- quitting smoking
- eating a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- maintaining a regular exercise routine
A proactive partnership between advanced screening and healthy habits empowers individuals to reduce their risk of heart disease and live longer, healthier lives.
Listen to a Podcast
Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns for Americans. Understanding and utilizing cardiac calcium scoring can empower individuals to take proactive steps toward a healthier heart. In a recent podcast, we visited with Dr. Abid Fakhri, cardiologist at UM Baltimore Washington Heart Associates. Dr. Fakhri specializes in heart health, and during the discussion, he shared important information about this crucial diagnostic tool. Watch the interview below or download the podcast from our website.
More to Read
- Filling Your Plate with Foods that Lower Cholesterol
- Talk to Your Provider About Improving Your Heart Health
- What You Need to Know About Heart Disease in Women of Color
- 6 Foods to Cut Back for Heart Health
Medical contributions and review by Abid Fakhri, MD.
