Heart disease is the world’s leading cause of mortality, accounting for 32% of all deaths.
But that doesn’t mean people are helpless to the state. There are several steps you can get to reduce your risk.
In addition to adopting healthier lifestyle habits, obtaining a specific screen (coronary calcium (CAC) score) can help detect early signs of Heart diseaseexperts say.
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What is your CAC score?
According to Dr. Robert Segal, founder of Manhattan Cardiology and co-founder of https://www.labfinder.com, a CAC score is a specialized CT scan that measures the accumulation of calcium in the walls of the heart artery.
Getting a specific screening (coronary calcium (CAC) score) can help detect early signs of heart disease, experts say. (istock)
“This calcium refers to the accumulation of plaque that can cause heart disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
The higher the score, the larger the calcium in the arteries. Heart attack, stroke Or other heart problems.
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A calcium score of zero indicates the absence of coronary calcium, indicating that individuals are at a very low risk of heart disease. A calcium score of over 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an interventional cardiologist and chief medical officer at Vitalsolution, an Ingenovis health company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesia services to hospitals.
“CAC scores are obtained with a rapid, low-dose CT scan,” Maryland-based Serwer told Fox News Digital.
“A high score indicates that you need to work with your doctor to reduce your risk.”
Scanned images are processed using specialised ones Computer Softwareproduces what is called “Agatston Score.”
“This computer algorithm evaluates the amount of calcium present and calculates the number or score,” says Serwer.
CAC scores are “non-traditional risk factors,” according to one expert, not widely known as routine screenings such as cholesterol checks and blood pressure measurements. (istock)
CAC scores are “non-traditional risk factors” that are not widely known as routine screening such as cholesterol checks and blood pressure measurements.
“Even so, awareness is growing as more research shows just how valuable it is to predict heart disease,” he said.
What to do with your CAC score?
The scans help people take care of their heart condition, experts say.
“It helps to identify heart disease early, even if you don’t have symptoms,” Segal said. “This will allow for precautions such as lifestyle changes. Or drugsto reduce your risk. ”
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If your CAC score is zero, Segal recommends maintaining good practices and continuing to track risk variables.
“A low score indicates mild plaque, therefore improving diet, exercise, and Lowers cholesterol He said. “A high-level score indicates that you should work with your doctor and probably reduce your risk with statins.”
Scans can help people detect and take care of their heart condition, even if they don’t have symptoms, experts say. (istock)
Generally, if your CAC score is zero, there is little need to repeat the study for five years, according to Serwer.
For those with an elevated calcium score, data on the benefits of repeat tests is limited.
“These patients should discuss individual cases with a trained cardiologist to determine the need for further testing,” advised Serwer.
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This test is used in combination with other risk factors such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and diabetes to determine who needs aggressive medical therapy for primary prevention of heart disease.
“The sooner you can identify people at high risk of a heart attack, the sooner you can start Proven Treatment To avoid any bad outcomes,” Selwar said.
“We don’t have any data to show that simply running this test will help you know who needs to be actively treated, but it’s very important to know when medical therapy can be delayed or avoided.”
Potential risks and limitations
In terms of potential risk, Segal compared the CAC scan with mammography, but note that it is fast, non-invasive, using only small amounts of radiation and not accompanied by dye injection.
“It only measures current calcium and cannot identify soft plaques that are not solidified,” he pointed out.
This test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who only get a coronary calcium score, no preparation is required. (istock)
Segal also warned that a zero CAC score does not mean a risk of zero – especially in Diabetes cases Or smoking, it is an additional risk factor.
“This is a tool that can help combine with other health assessments,” he added.
How to take the test
Anyone interested in obtaining a CAC score should start by meeting a cardiologist.
“People ages 40 to 70 who have risk factors like high cholesterol; Hypertension Alternatively, we recommend that you get a normal scan for a family history of heart disease,” Segal said.
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Serwer recommends patients discuss individual risks with their primary care provider to determine whether testing is helpful.
“There are currently no standardized guidelines for testing or frequency of repeated tests,” he said.
“Some plans are considering selective or researching this test, so we won’t pay.”
This test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who only get a coronary calcium score, no preparation is required, Serwer pointed out.
“There is no need for IV contrast, so you don’t need to get a quick blood test before taking this study.”
CAC test coverage varies from person to person Insurance plans.
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“Some plans are considering selective or researching this test, so we won’t pay for it,” Selwer noted.
“Currently, Medicare is not covering costs for asymptomatic people with risk stratification purposes.”
