You likely already know the basics of how to do this. Not using tobacco, consistently getting enough sleep, exercising regularly and eating a heart-healthy diet are all ways to lower your risk of adverse heart conditions.
Related: We Asked 3 Cardiologists What Habit Is Best for Heart Health, and They All Said the Same Thing
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“A coronary calcium scan is a quick, non-invasive CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. Calcium in these arteries is a marker of plaque,” says Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, a cardiologist, chef and host of the Thrive Bites podcast.
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“I’ve seen patients with ‘normal’ cholesterol who still had plaque, and others with elevated cholesterol but zero calcium. The scan gives us a more personalized look at actual arterial disease, rather than just risk on paper,” Dr. Zhu adds.
Who Should Get a Coronary Calcium Scan?
Dr. Suter adds that it’s worth discussing coronary calcium scan testing with your doctor to see if it would be helpful in determining your risk for cardiovascular disease. He says that these scans are not always covered by insurance, and if they aren’t, they typically cost around $100.
The results of your scan will tell you how much calcium buildup is in your arteries. If you don’t have any calcium buildup, Dr. Zhu says you don’t have to get another coronary calcium scan for several years. But if you do have moderate or high buildup, Dr. Suter recommends repeating the scan every three to five years.
If you have a calcium score above 300, Dr. Zhu says that this means there is a significant amount of calcified plaque in your arteries. “This hardening makes it harder for blood to flow to your heart. People with very high calcium scores have a risk of heart attack or stroke similar to those who have already had a heart attack. It doesn’t mean a heart attack is inevitable. It means we take prevention more seriously,” he explains.
Coronary calcium scans are another tool that can be used to clue you in on your risk for cardiovascular disease. Especially when it comes to health, knowledge is power. It can even be life-saving.
Related: This Is Hands-Down the Most Underrated Way To Walk for Heart Health, Cardiologists Say
Sources:
Stewart J., Manmathan, G. and Wilkinson, P. (2017). Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: A review of contemporary guidance and literature.JRSM Cardiovascular Disease. 6:2048004016687211. doi: 10.1177/2048004016687211Dr. Colin Zhu, DO, FACLM, cardiologist, chef and host of the Thrive Bites podcastDr. Blair Suter, MD, cardiologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical CenterHence then, the article about normal cholesterol and blood pressure you may still need this heart scan cardiologists say was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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