While many associate the word calcium with bone strength, this chemical our body naturally produces can sometimes turn against us. According to research, higher CAC scores directly correlate to an increased risk of heart disease-induced events.
The risk of heart attacks in patients with high levels of coronary artery calcification is comparable to the risk level of patients with diagnosed heart disease. Hence, coronary artery calcification indicates a serious issue, and its diagnosis should be a priority.
What happens if you have too much calcium in your arteries?
Not many know the role calcium plays in diagnosing heart disease. When calcium builds up in the heart’s arteries, it indicates the presence of atherosclerosis. It’s when fat and cholesterol form plaque in the arteries, causing them to narrow, making it difficult to pump blood. These narrow arteries can trigger heart attacks or strokes.
Excess calcium in the arteries causes several complications that affect heart health. Calcium deposits that accumulate in arteries make them less flexible and affect blood flow. Stiff arteries are linked to the risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular conditions.
Moreover, arterial calcification contributes to blood clots and ruptures that block the blood supply to the heart. Hence, it can be linked to the main cause of heart attacks. Calcification of the heart can also make it difficult for medical professionals to intervene and treat the heart in emergencies. Life-saving procedures like angioplasty or stent placement are complicated due to coronary artery calcification.
What is the best time to check coronary calcium score?
Understanding what is the right time to check your coronary calcium score is essential when it comes to heart health. However, it can be confusing to understand if you are a candidate for this test.
Research says that the ideal candidates for coronary artery calcification tests are those who fall in the intermediate risk category when it comes to cardiovascular disease. Over the next ten years, these people have a 10% to 20% chance of experiencing a heart disease-induced event. You may be assessed if you are in the following categories:
- Family history of heart disease
- Diabetic
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Smoking
- Sedentary lifestyle
For adults known to have shown symptoms of heart disease, studies suggest that the ideal age to undergo coronary artery calcium scan is 42 years old for men and around 58 years old for women. Research found that these are the average ages of people who showed early signs of coronary calcification.
However, diabetic men are recommended to get CAC tested earlier in life. They can go for a test as early as 37 years of age, while diabetic women are recommended to get a CAC test at age 50. This is because people who are at risk start developing calcium deposits earlier than others.
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Conclusion
Coronary artery calcification is a serious issue that people cannot outwardly detect. However, symptoms that indicate coronary artery calcification are chest pain, fatigue, and numb hands and feet. It must be noted that individuals with coronary artery calcification might not experience symptoms for years.
The only way to be certain that you are free of coronary artery calcification is to get tested. Here’s where the doctors at Healthy Living Heart And Vein can help. We offer CAC testing and other tests to diagnose heart disease and set you on the path to treatment. Dial (936) 978-0466 to schedule a consultation.