What Is a Calcium Score and How Does It Predict The Risk of Heart Disease?
A coronary calcium scan is a straightforward medical imaging test that uses a CT scan to detect calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. Calcium can often get deposited in atherosclerotic plaques. The higher the calcium score, the greater the likelihood of significant plaque buildup, indicating a higher risk of future heart-related events.
According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases (such as heart attacks and strokes) are the leading cause of increasing deaths worldwide. Statistics show that a quarter of patients who experience a heart attack display no clinical symptoms. Therefore, a coronary calcium scan provides crucial early detection, identifying individuals at risk before symptoms arise and potentially preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Calcium scoring is a reliable predictor of coronary atherosclerosis. Various factors can precipitate and predispose individuals to significant atherosclerotic changes in the coronary arteries. The American Heart Association recommends calcium scoring for patients with low, borderline, and intermediate risks. This method is an accurate predictor for cardiovascular risk stratification based on demographics and disease-attributable burden. Beyond providing risk scores, calcium scoring serves as a supplementary tool that aids in decision-making and treatment planning.
What is the importance of a Coronary Calcium Score?
Calcium scoring helps clinical cardiovascular disease risk stratification. This test is a valuable tool for calculating arterial ageing and can aid in preventing both micro and macrovascular complications.
Additionally, calcium scoring complements other tests like the Framingham risk score by providing more precise risk stratification information. It supports other diagnostic methods, such as carotid intima-media thickness, stress myocardial perfusion, and C-reactive protein levels.
Serial calcium scoring can help monitor disease progression. According to the American College of Cardiology, an annual increase of 15% or more in coronary calcium raises cardiovascular risk by 17-fold.
Calcium scoring also offers economic benefits by helping to save substantial costs associated with developing health complications and hospital admissions.
Moreover, calcium scoring can prevent unnecessary testing.
How Is the Coronary Calcium Score Calculated?
A calcium score measures the amount of calcium in the heart arteries. As fatty plaques develop in the arteries, calcium is often deposited within them. The higher the calcium score, the more plaque disease is present in the arteries.
The score can range from zero to the thousands and helps determine your risk of having a heart attack in the future. A higher score indicates a greater amount of calcium in the coronary arteries, a marker of atherosclerosis and an increased risk of cardiovascular events in the future.
What the Results of a Calcium Score Indicate
A score of zero indicates a lower chance of heart disease and a lower risk for a future heart attack.
Who Will Benefit From a Coronary Artery Calcium Score?
Research shows that calcium scoring is effective when performed on individuals with no symptoms. In asymptomatic individuals, it provides a more accurate estimation of heart attack risk.
How should I prepare for a Coronary Artery Calcium Score Test?
The calcium score test is performed by taking a heart CT scan to capture the amount of calcification in the arteries. These images are then analysed to determine the calcium score, which provides valuable insights into the patient's heart health. The entire process may take less than 30 minutes and involves no needles, making it an ideal screening test.
Typically, no special preparation is required, but it's advisable to avoid caffeine and smoking for a few hours before the test. Additionally, some medications and supplements may interfere with the accuracy of the test results, so it's important to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking before the test. You may also be asked to avoid eating or drinking for a certain amount of time before the test, depending on the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
The Coronary Artery Calcium Score Scan: How It is Done?
Calcium score plays a critical role in cardiac risk analysis or calculating the probability of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Also called Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS), calcium scoring involves cardiac computed tomography (CT). It shows the basic structures of the heart, particularly coronary arteries, and identifies calcium present in the blood vessels. A deposit of calcium indicates coronary artery disease.
The scan is done in a CT scanner. There are no injections, and it is a very quick test with low radiation. It only takes less than 30 minutes. Once completed, the radiographer will then calculate the level of calcium (calcium score). Your report will compare your score to other people of a similar age group and sex.
Conclusion
Calcium score is a safe and simple test that can be performed in under half an hour. It is an excellent tool to help in the calculation of cardiac risk. Its real utility lies in helping decide who needs treatment to prevent heart attacks.
FAQ
What is a Calcium Score?
A Coronary Artery Calcium Score (calcium score) is a measurement used to evaluate the amount of calcium in the walls of the coronary arteries, indicating the presence of atherosclerosis or plaque buildup.
How does a calcium score predict heart disease risk?
The score indicates the extent of calcium deposits in the arteries, with higher scores reflecting a greater amount of plaque buildup and a higher risk of heart-related events.
What is a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary calcium scan is a non-invasive CT scan that detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries to calculate the calcium score.
Who should get a coronary calcium scan?
Individuals with risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, or a history of smoking, should consider getting the scan.
How do I prepare for a coronary calcium scan?
Preparation is minimal; you may need to avoid caffeine, smoking, and certain medications for a few hours before the test. Follow your healthcare provider's specific instructions.
What should I expect during the scan?
The scan is quick, non-invasive, and involves lying on a table while a CT scanner takes images of your heart. It typically takes less than 30 minutes.
What happens if I have a high calcium score?
A high calcium score indicates a higher risk of heart disease. Your healthcare provider will discuss lifestyle changes, medications, and other treatments to manage your risk.
How often should I get a calcium score test?
The frequency depends on your initial score and risk factors. Your healthcare provider will recommend a schedule based on your specific situation.
