Heart disease could be prevented with this simple test

Heart diseases is the main cause of mortality in the world, comprising 32% of all deaths.

But that does not mean that people are powerless against the condition – there are a few steps they can take to help reduce the risk.

In addition to adopting healthier life habits, obtaining a specific screening – coronary calcium score (CAC) – can help detect early signs of heart diseasesay experts.

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What is the cac score?

The CAC score is a specialized CT scan that measures the accumulation of calcium in the walls of the heart artery, according to the cardiologist certified by Dr. Robert Segal, the founder of Manhattan Cardiology and co-founder of

“This calcium indicates the accumulation of plaque that can cause heart disease,” he told Fox News Digital.

The higher the score, the more calcium in the arteries, so a greater probability of an heart attack, stroke or another cardiac problem.

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A zero calcium score does not indicate any coronary calcium and places the individual with a very low risk for heart disease. A calcium score greater than 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an intervention cardiologist and chief medical officer at Vitasolution, an ingenovis health company that offers cardiovascular services and anesthesia for hospitals.

“The CAC score is obtained with a low -dose CT scan,” Serwer said in Maryland for Fox News Digital.

“A high score indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk.”

Scanning images are processed using specialized Computer softwareproducing what is called “Agatton Score”.

“This computer algorithm assesses how much calcium is present and calculates a number or score,” Serwer said.

The CAC score is a “non-traditional risk factor” that is not as well known as routine projections, such as cholesterol checks or blood pressure measurements, according to Segal.

“However, awareness increases as more research shows how valuable it is in the forecast of heart disease,” he said.

What to do with the cac score

The result of scanning can help people deal with their heart conditions, say specialists.

“It is useful because it helps to identify heart disease in time, even if you have no symptoms,” said Segal. “This allows preventive steps such as lifestyle changes or drugsto reduce your risk ”.

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If the CAC score is zero, Segal recommends maintaining good practices and continuing to follow the risk variables.

“A low score indicates a light plate; Therefore, lifestyle changes such as diet improvement, exercise and lowering cholesterol It will help you, he said. “A high score indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce your risk, perhaps with statins.”

In general, if a CAC score is zero, you do not need to repeat the study for five years, according to Serwer.

For those with an increased calcium score, there is limited data on the benefit of repeated test.

“These patients should discuss their individual case with an trained cardiologist to determine the need for any additional test,” Serwer recommended.

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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 heart disease.

“The earlier we can identify those with a higher risk of heart attack, the earlier we can start Proven therapies To avoid bad results, “said Serwer.

“While we do not have data that only show this test makes you live longer, know who we should treat aggressively and know when we can delay or avoid medical therapy is very important.”

Potential risks and limitations

As for the potential risk, Segal has compared the scanning of CAC with a mammography, mentioning that it is fast, non -invasive, uses only a small amount of radiation and does not involve the dye injection.

“It only rises to current calcium and cannot identify the soft plate that is not solidified,” he said.

Segal also warned that a zero CAC score does not involve a zero risk – especially in Cases of diabetes or smoking, which are additional risk factors.

“It is a useful tool to be coupled with other health assessments,” he added.

How to get the test

People interested in getting the CAC score should start 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 get scan, “said Segal.

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Serwer recommends patients to discuss the individual risk with the primary care provider to determine if the test will be useful.

“We currently have no standardized orientations for repeated testing or frequency,” he said.

“Some plans consider this elective or investigative test, and therefore will not pay for it.”

The test can be performed in most radiology departments. For those who only get a coronary calcium score, there is no need for preparation, Serwer said.

“There is no need for contrast IV, so you do not need to fast or get a blood work before you get this study.”

CAC test cover varies depending on the individual insurance plans.

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“Some plans consider this elective or investigative test and therefore will not pay for it,” said Serwer.

“Medicare currently does not cover the cost of asymptomatic persons for risk stratification purposes.”