Why a CT Calcium Score is the Most Proactive Step You Can Take to Protect Your Heart
By Rock Walker, DO
Yesterday was World Heart Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular disease. To honor the holiday, we wanted to share the most proactive step you can take to protect your heart: a CT Calcium Score.
This non-invasive test can tell you two really important pieces of information with a relatively high degree of certainty. The first and most important, is that it tells you whether you have any existing heart disease. Second, it gives us an idea of how much disease you may have.
What is a CT Calcium Score?
A CT Calcium Score is a simple, painless test that uses a CT scanner to measure the amount of calcium build up in your coronary arteries. Calcium build up is an indicator of plaque build up that can narrow these arteries, limiting blood flow to your heart. Any score above zero is an indicator that you have heart disease. A higher calcium score indicates a greater risk of a heart attack.
Benefits of a CT Calcium Score
- Early Detection: A CT Calcium Score can help identify individuals that have heart disease even before symptoms appear.
- Personalized Prevention: Based on your score, your doctor can recommend tailored preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes, medications, or additional tests.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing your risk can provide peace of mind and motivate you to take proactive steps to protect your heart.
- Cost-Effective: A CT Calcium Score is usually not covered by insurance but is usually under $150. Making it a very valuable tool for preventative care.
How to Get a CT Calcium Score
Most healthcare providers can arrange a CT Calcium Score. Simply discuss your interest with your doctor, who will determine if the test is appropriate for you.
Taking control of your heart health is essential for a long and fulfilling life. By getting a CT Calcium Score, you’re being proactive about your heart health. Therefore reducing your chance of heart attack, the leading cause of death in the United States.
Remember, early detection and prevention are key to a healthy heart!