Heart disease is the leading cause of the world of mortality, which comprises 32% of all deaths.
But that does not mean that people are powerless from the situation – there are some steps they can take to help reduce risk.
In addition to the adoption of healthier living habits, taking a specific examination – the result of calcium of the coronary artery (CAC) – can help detect early signs of heart disease, experts say.
What is the CAC result?
CAC result is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium construction on the walls of the heart arteries, according to the cardiologist certified by the board Dr. Robert Segal, founder of Manhattan Cardiology and co -founder of https://www.labfinder.com.
“This calcium points to the accumulation of plaque that can cause heart disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
The higher the result, the more calcium in the arteries, that is, the greater the likelihood of a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac issue.
A result of calcium of zero does not indicate coronary calcium and puts the individual at a very low risk for heart disease.
A result of calcium greater than 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an intervention cardiologist and leading medical officer in Vitalsolition, an Inghenovis health company that provides cardiovascular and anesthesiological services for hospitals.
“CAC score is taken with a fast, low -dose CT scan,” said Maryland -based Serwer for Fox News Digital.
Scan images are processed using specialized computer software, producing what is called “Agatston Score”.
“This computer algorithm estimates how much calcium is present and calculates a number or result,” Serwer said.
CAC result is a “non-traditional risk factor” that is not as well known as routine display as cholesterol controls or blood pressure measurements, according to segal.
“Still, consciousness is increasing as more research shows how valuable it is in predicting cardiac disease,” he said.
What to do with the cac score
The scanning result can help people take responsibility for their cardiac conditions, experts say.
“Helpful is useful because it helps identify heart disease early, even if you have no symptoms,” said Segal. “This allows for preventive steps, such as lifestyle changes or medicines, to reduce your risk.”
If the CAC result is zero, Segal recommends continuing good practices and continue tracking the risk variables.
“A low score shows soft plate; Therefore, lifestyle changes, such as diet improvement, exercise and lowering cholesterol will help, “he said.” A high result indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk, maybe with statins. “
In general, if a CAC score is zero, there is little need to repeat the study for five years, according to serwer.
For those with an elevated calcium result, there are limited data in the benefit of repeated testing.
“These patients should discuss their individual case with a trained cardiologist to determine the need for any further evidence,” Serwer advised.
The 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.
“Before we can identify those who have the higher risk of a heart attack, the earlier we can start them in proven therapy to avoid bad results,” Serwer said.
“While we do not have data that simply show that performing this test makes you live longer, knowing who we need to treat aggressively and know when we can delay or avoid medical therapy is very important.”
Possible risks and restrictions
In terms of potential risk, Segal compared CAC scan with a mammography, stressing that it is fast, unattractive, uses only a small amount of radiation and does not include color injection.
“He just crosses the current calcium, and cannot identify the soft plaque that does not solidify,” he noted.
Segal also warned that a zero cac score does not mean zero risk – especially in cases of diabetes or smoking, which are additional risk factors.
“It is a useful instrument to associate with other health evaluations,” he added.
How to get the test
People interested in getting CAC score should begin by seeing a cardiologist.
“Those between the ages of 40 and 70 who have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of heart disease are usually advised to take scanning,” Segal said.
Serwer recommends that patients discuss individual risk with their primary care provider to determine whether the test will be useful.
“We currently do not have standardized instructions for testing or frequency of repeated testing,” he said.
The test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who are just getting a result of calcium of the coronary artery, no preparation is required, noted serwer.
“There is no need for contrast IV, so there is no need to fast or get blood work before you get this study.”
COC covering changes based on individual insurance plans.
“Some plans consider this electoral or investigative test and therefore will not pay for it,” Slewer noted.
“Medicare does not currently cover the cost for asymptomatic people for risk stratification purposes.”
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