Cardiac Calcium CT
Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with early detection being crucial for timely intervention and prevention of heart-related complications. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, restricting blood flow and increasing the risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack) and stroke. Because atherosclerosis develops silently over many years, lifestyle optimization and risk stratification done by a clinician are essential for prevention, however, traditional risk factors might not be enough to predict heart disease accurately. An advanced diagnostic tool gaining significant attention in recent years is the cardiac calcium CT scan.
A cardiac calcicm CT, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, is a non-invasive imaging test that detects calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. It is done without injection of any contrast dye, taking only minutes to complete, and with substantially lower doses of radiation as compared to many CT scans. This test measures the amount of calcium in the arteries, which correlates with the extent of atherosclerosis. It provides a calcium score, indicating the patient's risk of developing heart disease. A primary benefit of this scan is its ability to detect ASCVD at an early stage, often before symptoms manifest. Early intervention can prevent the progression of the disease. Unlike traditional risk assessments, a CAC score provides a more precise evaluation of a patient's risk, as individuals with higher calcium scores are at a greater risk of heart attacks, allowing clinicians to tailor personalized treatment plans and interventions accordingly, including lifestyle modifications, medications, or more intensive interventions, depending on severity.
For many patients, a CAC may be a motivating factor for lifestyle changes - seeing tangible evidence of atherosclerosis in the form of a calcium score can motivate patients to make necessary lifestyle changes. Generally, individuals with intermediate risk factors for heart disease, as determined by their age, presence of other chronic conditions (e.g., high cholesterol, diabetes, or high blood pressure), and family history of heart disease, among other factors, might consider discussing this test with their provider.
