A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a measurement from a non-invasive computed tomography (CT) scan of the heart. This scan identifies and quantifies calcified plaque within the coronary arteries, the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. The presence of calcified plaque indicates atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits harden and narrow arteries. The CAC score assesses an individual’s risk of future cardiovascular events.
Understanding What a High Score Means
A high CAC score signifies greater calcified plaque accumulation, directly linked to an increased risk of future cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke. The Agatston score, typically used for CAC results, ranges from zero to over 1,000, with higher numbers indicating more extensive disease. A score of zero suggests a very low chance of developing a heart attack in the future. Scores between 1 and 100 indicate minimal to mild plaque and a low risk, though atherosclerosis has begun.
Scores from 101 to 400 indicate moderate plaque deposits, which are associated with a relatively high risk of heart attack or other heart disease within three to five years. Scores exceeding 400 suggest more extensive disease and a significantly higher risk of heart attack. The CAC score is a strong predictor of risk, even in individuals without symptoms. It is particularly useful for reclassifying intermediate-risk individuals, as highlighted by ACC and AHA guidelines.
Consulting Your Healthcare Provider
A high calcium score necessitates immediate discussion with your healthcare provider, such as your primary care physician or a cardiologist. This consultation is crucial for interpreting the score within your overall health context. Your doctor will review the calcium score alongside your personal risk factors: family history of heart disease, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and diabetes.
Further diagnostic tests may be recommended for a comprehensive picture of your cardiovascular health. These include blood tests (lipid panel, glucose), blood pressure measurements, or an electrocardiogram (EKG) or a stress test. The calcium score is one important piece of a larger diagnostic puzzle, guiding personalized risk assessment and management.
Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Adopting heart-healthy lifestyle modifications is a foundational step to mitigate cardiovascular risk after a high calcium score. Dietary changes are paramount, emphasizing eating patterns like the Mediterranean or DASH diets. This involves consuming fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, while limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, sodium, and added sugars.
Regular physical activity is essential, typically including at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise weekly, plus strength training. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, as excess weight contributes to cardiovascular strain. Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke exposure are crucial, given smoking’s negative impact on heart health. Managing stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or hobbies supports overall well-being, as chronic stress affects the heart.
Medical Treatment Approaches
Medical interventions are a personalized component of managing a high calcium score, determined by a healthcare provider based on the score and overall risk. Statins, a class of medications designed to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol, are frequently prescribed, even if cholesterol levels are not extremely high, due to the increased cardiovascular risk indicated by a high calcium score. These medications stabilize existing plaque and reduce heart event risk.
For elevated blood pressure, medications to control hypertension are often part of the treatment plan to reduce strain on the arteries. If diabetes is present, strict management of blood sugar levels becomes particularly important in mitigating cardiovascular risk. Low-dose aspirin therapy might be considered for some high-risk individuals, especially those with a CAC score above 100 and a low bleeding risk, though a doctor makes this decision due to potential bleeding risks. Ongoing medical follow-ups monitor risk factors and treatment effectiveness.