According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in twenty adults over the age of 20 living in the U.S. has coronary artery disease (the most common type of heart disease). Luckily, there are things you can do to discover your risk of developing coronary artery disease before it’s too late. Keep reading to learn more about how calcium score testing can help your doctor better assess your heart health status.
Curious about your risk for heart disease? Preventative Diagnostic Center can help. Schedule your CT scan today.
What Is A Calcium Score Test?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a calcium score test is a CT (computed tomography) scan designed to determine how much calcium buildup is in your heart. The calcium buildup in the heart indicates how much fatty buildup (plaque) is present in your arteries. These buildups restrict proper blood flow and can lead to blockages. The calcium score test is generally used to check for and/or diagnose atherosclerosis (coronary artery disease), substantially raising your risk of heart attack.
Related: Las Vegas Coronary CT Calcium Score Test
How Long Does It Take To Get A Calcium Test?
The Cleveland Clinic notes that a calcium test CT scan is noninvasive and only takes 10-15 minutes total, but the actual scan only takes a few minutes.
What Is A Calcium Score?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a positive result means that there is a calcium buildup (plaque) in your arteries, which means you do have coronary artery disease. The calcium “score” is how much calcium is present. The higher the score, the more at risk you are of having a heart attack. Generally, the scoring goes as follows:
- Less than 100 — some evidence of coronary artery disease
- Between 100 and 400 — moderate evidence of coronary artery disease
- Over 400 — solid evidence of coronary artery disease
How Is A Calcium Test Related To Heart Health?
According to the Mayo Clinic, a calcium test is the only way to know for sure whether there’s beginning to be a buildup of plaque in the heart before it becomes a problem. This is because plaque slowly builds up in the arteries over time without displaying any symptoms. A calcium score test is the ideal way to catch coronary artery disease before it gets any worse and/or causes serious health consequences such as a heart attack or stroke.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, in addition to preventative measures such as keeping your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar under control, a calcium test CT scan can determine your risk of developing heart disease. It’s generally a more accurate indicator of your heart disease risk factors.
Your doctor can use a calcium score test along with your lifestyle, family history, and medical history to determine the best options for preventing a heart attack or stroke.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For A Calcium Test CT Scan?
The Cleveland Clinic states a calcium score CT scan can benefit anyone over 40 who is at risk of developing heart disease. A calcium score CT scan can also be beneficial for those wanting to:
- Better understand their risk of heart disease
- Make a preventative treatment plan if the scan shows early signs of coronary artery disease
Risk factors for heart disease
The following individuals may have a higher risk of developing heart disease:
- Those who use tobacco products
- Those with a sedentary lifestyle
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Those who have high cholesterol
- Those with a body mass index (BMI) above 25
How Do You Prepare For A Calcium Score Test?
The Cleveland Clinic notes that the only preparation needed for a calcium score test is:
- No eating for 4 hours before
- No caffeine for 4 hours before
- No tobacco for 4 hours before
- You may need to remove metal jewelry
- Bring a comprehensive list of your medication and allergies
Where Can I Get A Calcium Test In Las Vegas?
If you’re searching for a ‘calcium test near me in Las Vegas,’ look no further than Preventative Diagnostic Center. Not only will you get a calcium test, but the test includes a thorough CT scan of your heart.
Related: Tips for Creating a Heart-Healthy Diet
Preventative medical scans such as the calcium score test can help you and your doctor better assess your chances of suffering a heart attack or stroke. In addition to maintaining your weight and healthy cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure numbers, getting a calcium test can ensure your heart stays healthy for as long as possible. You can get a thorough heart scan with a calcium score test at Preventative Diagnostic Center.
Are you concerned about your risk of heart disease? Book your CT scan at Preventative Diagnostic Center today.
Sources:
Calcium Score Test. (2023).
Coronary calcium scan. (2023).
