A heart disease is a leading world cause of mortality and makes up 32% of all deaths.
But that does not mean that people are powerless against the condition – there are some steps that can take to reduce the risk.
In addition to accepting healthy life habits, getting a certain screening – the result of calcium of the coronary artery (CAC) – can help detect early signs heart diseaseexperts say.
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What Cac is the result?
The CAC result is a specialized CT scan that measures calcium accumulation in the walls of the cardiac arteries, according to Dr. Robert Segal, a certified committee, the founder of the Manhattan cardiology and co -founder https://www.labfinder.com.
Getting a particular screening – the result of calcium coronary artery (CAC) – can help detect early signs of heart disease, experts say. (East)
“This calcium indicates a plaque buildup that can cause heart disease,” he told Fox News Digital.
The larger the result, the more calcium in the arteries, so the more likely to be a heart attack, stroke or other cardiac question.
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Calcium result from zero indicates coronary calcium and puts an individual at a very low risk of heart disease. Calcium result greater than 400 indicates a high risk of heart disease, according to Dr. Bradley Serwer, an emergency cardiologist and the main medical officer of Vitalsolution, an Ingenovis health company, who offers hospitals cardiovascular and anesthesiology services.
“The CAC result is obtained by a quick CT scan with small doses,” Serwer, based in Maryland for Fox News Digital, told.
“High grade indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce the risk.”
Scan images are processed using specialized computer softwareProducting what is called “Agatston with a result.”
“This computer algorithm estimates how present calcium is and calculates the number or result,” Serwer said.
The CAC result is a “non -traditional risk factor” that is not as widely known as a routine examination such as cholesterol or blood pressure measurements, one expert states. (East)
The CAC result is a “non -traditional risk factor” that is not as widely known as a routine examination such as cholesterol or blood pressure measurement, Segal states.
“Still, consciousness is growing because more research shows how valuable it is to predict a heart disease,” he said.
What to do with Cac with a result
The result of scanning can help people take responsibility for their heart conditions, experts say.
“It is useful because it helps to identify heart disease early, even if you have no symptoms,” Segal said. “This allows preventive steps, such as lifestyle changes or medicinesto reduce the risk. “
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If the CAC result is zero, segal recommends maintaining good practice and continuing to monitor the risk variables.
“A low result indicates a slight plaque; therefore, lifestyle changes such as improving your diet, exercise and Lowering cholesterol Will help, “he said.” High grade indicates that you should work with your doctor to reduce the risk, perhaps with statins. “
The result of scanning helps people discover and take over their heart conditions, even if they have no symptoms, experts say. (East)
Generally, if the CAC result is zero, it is a little need to repeat the study for five years, according to Serwer.
For those with elevated calcium result, there are limited data on the benefit of repeated testing.
“These patients should discuss their individual case with a trained cardiologist to determine the need for any further testing,” Serwer advised.
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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 the primary prevention of heart disease.
“The earlier we can recognize those who have a higher risk of heart attack, we can start them earlier Proven therapy To avoid bad outcomes, “Serwer said.
“Although we do not have information that shows that you only live this test for longer, knowing who we should aggressively treat and knowing when we can delay or avoid medical therapy, it is very important.”
Potential risks and restrictions
In terms of potential risk, Segal compared CAC scanning with mammography, noting that it is fast, non -invasive, uses only a small amount of radiation and does not include color injection.
“Just measures electric calcium and cannot identify a soft plaque that does not strengthen,” he noticed.
The test can be performed in most radiological departments. For those who receive only calcium result of coronary artery, no preparation is required. (East)
Segal also warned that the zero CAC result does not mean zero risk – especially in diabetes cases or smoking, which are additional risk factors.
“It’s a useful instrument associated with other health assessments,” he added.
How to get a test
People interested in achieving CAC should start seeing a cardiologist.
“Those aged 40-70 who have risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure Or the family history of heart disease is usually advised to scan, “Segal said.
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Serwer recommends patients to discuss individual risk with their primary care provider to determine if the test will be helpful.
“We currently have no standardized guidelines for testing or the frequency of repeated testing,” he said.
“Some plans are considering this test election or investigative and therefore will not pay it.”
The test can be performed in most radiological departments. For those who receive only the assessment of calcium coronary arteries, no preparation is required, Serwer noted.
“No need for IV contrast, so there is no need for fast or getting blood before you get this study.”
CAC Test coverage varies depending on the individual Insurance plans.
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“Some plans are considering this test election or investigative and therefore will not pay it,” Serwer noted.
“Medicare does not currently cover the cost of asymptomatic people for risk stratification.”
