I recently got a calcium score test after trying to really pay attention to my health over the past few years. As a woman with Type 2 Diabetes and a family history of heart disease, I wanted to know where I am currently. My physician recently wanted to put me on lipid lowering medications and I am not one to readily take medications. Instead, lifestyle changes is my go-to change before adding more medications that might negatively affect my health in the long run. I was pleasantly surprised by my results, which I will share at the end. Let’s dive in.
Understanding the Calcium Score Test: What It Is and Why It Matters
When it comes to heart health, most of us are familiar with common markers like cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and even A1C if you’re managing diabetes. But there’s another test that can give you a clearer picture of your heart’s condition—a test that goes beyond the surface and directly measures the health of your arteries. This test is known as the Calcium Score Test.
What Is a Calcium Score Test?
The Calcium Score Test, also known as a coronary calcium scan, is a specialized X-ray test that provides pictures of your heart. It measures the amount of calcium in the walls of your coronary arteries, which are the blood vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart muscle.
Calcium is a marker of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaques that can narrow or block arteries. The more calcium in your arteries, the higher your risk of heart disease or having a heart attack. The test results in a calcium score, which helps predict your risk.
Why Is the Calcium Score Important?
The calcium score test is a powerful tool for early detection of heart disease. While other tests measure indirect indicators of heart health, the calcium score test shows the actual buildup of plaque in your coronary arteries. This can be especially important for people who have risk factors for heart disease but show no symptoms.
If your score is zero, it means there’s no calcium detected, and your risk of a heart attack in the next 5-10 years is very low. As your calcium score increases, so does your risk of heart disease. A high score suggests significant plaque buildup, which could lead to serious heart problems if not addressed.
Who Should Get a Calcium Score Test?
The calcium score test isn’t for everyone. It’s generally recommended for individuals who are at intermediate risk of heart disease—those who have some risk factors but are not yet showing symptoms. If you have a family history of heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or other risk factors like diabetes, you might benefit from this test.
Your healthcare provider may also recommend the test if you’re over the age of 40 and have one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease, even if your cholesterol levels are normal.
P.S. you might have to ASK for this test from your doctor as this is not a routine test. When I discussed it with my doc, I thought I was going to have to beg him for this test because the conversation was not going well at first. At the end he told me that I didn’t even need an order for this test and that insurance will not pay for it. Sweet! That is when I started researching places.
How Is the Test Performed?
The calcium score test is quick, non-invasive, and doesn’t require any special preparation. During the test, you’ll lie on a table while a scanner takes pictures of your heart. The test typically takes about 10-15 minutes, and there’s no recovery time needed afterward.
The images captured by the scan are then analyzed to calculate your calcium score. This score is a number that reflects the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. The higher the score, the greater your risk of heart disease.
What Do the Results Mean?
- Score of 0: No plaque is present, and your risk of a heart attack is low.
- Score of 1-100: Small amount of plaque is present. You have a low to moderate risk of heart disease.
- Score of 101-400: Moderate amount of plaque is present. You are at moderate to high risk of heart disease and may need treatment.
- Score of 401 and above: Significant plaque is present. You are at high risk of heart disease and may need more aggressive treatment.
What to Do If You Have a High Calcium Score
A high calcium score doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have a heart attack, but it does mean you should take action. Your healthcare provider will discuss your results and help you create a plan to reduce your risk. This might include lifestyle changes like eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, quitting smoking, and managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. In some cases, medication may be necessary to help lower your risk.
To my surprise, my Calcium Score was 0! I was so excited to this and know that my heart is ok, for now. I just need to keep doing what I have been doing, which is exercising and eating more heart-healthy fruit and veggies and supplements. I am starting this new supplement that one of my patients told me about. I will report back.
Conclusion
The calcium score test is a valuable tool in the fight against heart disease. It offers a direct look at the health of your coronary arteries and helps you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your heart health. If you’re at risk for heart disease, talk to your doctor about whether a calcium score test is right for you. Early detection and proactive management can make all the difference in preventing heart disease and living a long, healthy life.