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By the time most people realize they have a heart problem, the disease may already be 70% advanced, making it harder to manage and treat. This highlights the crucial role of early detection in preventing severe heart complications.
Instead of waiting for something serious like a heart attack, it’s important to pay attention to subtle signs and prioritize regular check-ups. In this article, we’ll explain what the calcium score test is, how it works, and its benefits and limitations.
What is a Calcium Score Test?
The calcium score test is a specialized CT scan that takes detailed images of your heart. It identifies and measures calcified plaque—hardened calcium deposits—in the coronary arteries. These deposits are often the result of long-term cholesterol buildup, which leads to atherosclerosis. This hardening of the arteries reduces blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Other names of the test;
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) test.
- Coronary calcium CT scan.
- Heart CT calcium scan.
What CAC Test Evaluates?
This quick, non-invasive test helps evaluate how much calcium has built up in the walls of your heart’s arteries, a strong indicator of potential heart issues like coronary artery disease (CAD).
Your test results are presented as a calcium score, with the number indicating the extent of calcified plaque:
- Zero: No detectable calcium, suggesting a very low risk of heart attack.
- 1-100: Minimal to mild plaque, indicating low-to-moderate heart disease risk.
- 101-400: Moderate plaque buildup, signifying a higher risk of heart attack.
- Above 400: Extensive plaque, indicating a significant risk of coronary artery disease and heart attack.
How Coronary Calcium Scan Is Performed?
The calcium score test is simple and usually takes 10-15 minutes. You lie down in a CT scanner, and technicians place electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart’s activity during the scan. The machine captures images of your heart, and doctors analyze them to detect any calcium deposits in the arteries.
Why Should You Get a Calcium Score Test?
This test proves particularly useful if doctors consider you to be at intermediate risk of heart disease, meaning they can’t determine your risk clearly from factors like cholesterol levels or family history. If you fall into this category, a calcium score can give you and your doctor a clearer picture of your heart health.
The test is often recommended for:
- Men aged 55-80 and women aged 60-80 may be unsure about starting preventive treatments like statins.
- Individuals aged 40-55 with some risk factors for heart disease, such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure, but without clear symptoms.
It’s important to note that this test isn’t necessary for everyone. If you’re at a very low or high risk of heart disease, or if you already have coronary artery disease, the calcium score test won’t add much value to your treatment plan.
Benefits and Limitations of the CAC Test:
One of the most significant benefits of the calcium score test is its ability to predict future risk. Unlike blood tests or other methods, it provides a direct measure of the calcification of plaque in your arteries. This can be particularly helpful in deciding whether to start treatments like aspirin or statins, which help prevent heart attacks.
However, the test is not without its limitations. While it can detect calcium buildup, it doesn’t show soft plaque, which can also cause heart attacks. Also, if doctors have already diagnosed you with heart disease or you’ve had previous treatments like stents or bypass surgery, this test won’t reveal any new information.
How Often Should You Check Your Calcium Score?
Calcium score tests are not routine, and their frequency depends on your initial score. If you have a low score, repeating the test every 3-5 years may help track changes in your heart health. However, if you already have a high score or known coronary artery disease, repeating the test may not be necessary.
Does OHIP cover Coronary Calcium Scan?
Cardiology testing, including procedures like a Coronary Calcium Score (CCS) test, is generally covered by OHIP ( before surgery and consultation) only if it is prescribed by a physician and deemed medically necessary. If not funded, the cost of a CCS test in Canada usually ranges from $100 to $400, depending on the facility and location. Always consult your healthcare provider to confirm if your specific case qualifies for OHIP coverage and whether the test is necessary for your condition.
Learn More About Us:
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Final Thoughts:
The calcium score test is a powerful tool for predicting heart disease risk before symptoms appear. It helps guide critical decisions about treatments and lifestyle changes that can prevent a heart attack. If you’re at intermediate risk or unsure about starting medications like statins, this test could be just what you need to clarify your heart health status.
FAQ’s
1. Why would a doctor order a calcium score test?
Doctors usually recommend a calcium score test for patients who are at intermediate risk for heart disease. It helps to assess the presence of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries, which indicates potential coronary artery disease (CAD). This test is especially useful for those who have risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, but who haven’t yet shown symptoms. It helps guide decisions about preventive treatments like statins or other medications to reduce heart disease risk.
2. Is it worth getting a calcium score?
Yes, for individuals who fall into the intermediate-risk category, getting a calcium score test can be very beneficial. It offers more precise information about your heart disease risk than just traditional factors like cholesterol levels. For some patients, a score of zero could mean avoiding unnecessary medications, while a higher score could prompt preventive action to lower the risk of heart attacks.
3. Do you need a referral for a calcium score test?
In most cases, yes, a referral from your healthcare provider is necessary. The test is not generally offered without a doctor’s recommendation, as it’s targeted for specific cases where the results will directly influence treatment decisions. If you feel you could benefit from this test, discuss it with your doctor during a routine check-up.
4. At what age should you get a cardiac calcium score?
The test is typically recommended for men aged 40-55 and women aged 50-60, especially those with one or more risk factors for heart disease. However, it’s generally not advised for younger individuals unless they have a strong family history of early cardiovascular disease.
5. What is life expectancy with a high calcium score?
A high calcium score (above 400) indicates a significant amount of calcified plaque in the arteries, putting individuals at high risk for heart attacks or other cardiovascular events. However, it doesn’t predict life expectancy directly. With aggressive treatment, including lifestyle changes and medications like statins, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and improve their outlook.
Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.
