Coronary artery calcification (CAC), the calcium deposit buildup in the walls of the coronary arteries, is a significant marker of atherosclerosis, which can lead to serious heart problems. Alarmingly, it affects over 90% of men and 67% of women older than 70, making it a prevalent health concern for older adults. If you’re wondering whether you are at risk, knowing your calcium score on cardiac CT in Las Vegas can give you an idea of your CAC level.
The good news? A high calcium score is not a dead end but an opportunity to take control of your heart health.
How Can a CT Scan Help Measure Your Heart Health?
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a specialized imaging test that delivers detailed pictures of your internal organs. When used to examine the heart, the test may have different names depending on its purpose. If you are evaluating the arteries that supply blood to your heart, it is a coronary CT angiogram. If the goal is to detect calcium buildup in your heart, it is a coronary calcium scan.
During a coronary calcium scan, the CT machine uses X-rays to capture images of your heart. The results are translated into a calcium score, which reflects the extent of calcification in your coronary arteries. This simple, non-invasive test provides essential insight into your health.
Understanding Your Calcium Score: What Do the Numbers Mean?
A calcium score, also called an Agatston score, is a numerical measurement of the plaque buildup in your coronary arteries, as observed in a CT scan. Generally, the lower your calcium score, the lower your cardiac event risk. Here is what the calcium score ranges mean:
- Zero: Your risk of a heart attack is very low as no plaque is detected.
- 1–10: There is minimal plaque, and the chance of heart disease is under 10%. Your heart attack risk remains low.
- 11–100: Mild plaque buildup indicates early heart disease and a moderate chance of a heart attack.
- 101–400: Moderate plaque levels suggest heart disease, with a moderate to high chance of a heart attack.
- Over 400: At least one artery is significantly blocked, and your heart attack risk is high.
How Stress Affects Your Calcium Score
Various factors influence CAC, and stress is one of them. Stress affects the heart by triggering the release of stress hormones like cortisol, which increases heart rate and blood pressure. In addition stress contributes to weight gain Over time, these physiological responses can damage blood vessels and contribute to CAC. Studies have found that those with higher levels of anger tend to have more CAC.
Additionally, while current stress may not always have an immediate impact, long-term psychological distress has been linked to severe CAC in healthy older adults. More recently, mental stress has been shown to cause oxygen deprivation in the heart, a phenomenon that can exacerbate existing heart conditions. Chronic stress, in particular, is closely associated with an increased risk of heart disease.
How To Lower Your Calcium Score on Cardiac CT
Learning about your heart can be intimidating, but it is a necessary step toward protecting your health. If your calcium score reveals areas of concern, here are some actionable strategies:
- Start a Heart-Healthy Diet: Focus on foods rich in heart-friendly nutrients.
- Exercise Regularly: Regular exercise improves circulation and lowers blood pressure.
- Quit Smoking and Drinking: Smoking damages the lining of your blood vessels, while excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure.
- Manage Your Stress: Incorporate deep breathing, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques into your lifestyle.
- Listen to Your Doctors: Search for a “primary care doctor near me” to find a local professional to guide your journey. For a holistic approach, consider integrative or functional medicine doctors.
What To Eat To Reduce Your Calcium Score
A functional medicine doctor in Las Vegas can help you handle chronic health conditions through nutrition. Leafy greens, vegetables, and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Consume sources of unsaturated fats, such as avocados, olive oil, nuts, and seeds, and Omega-3 fatty acids in fatty fish.
Swap refined carbohydrates for whole grains. Eat plant-based protein sources like legumes, beans, nuts, and seeds. Choose low-fat dairy products or plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk, and replace salt with heart-healthy herbs and spices such as turmeric, garlic, ginger, and cinnamon. Limit or avoid processed foods, red
meats, and sugary beverages.
Exercises To Improve Your Cardiac Health
When you start your “integrative medicine doctor near me” search, you are a step closer to getting a personalized exercise routine for heart health. Ideally, you must do at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercises daily for at least five days a week.
Heart-pumping workouts include swimming, cycling, brisk walking, running, and sports. Combine them with muscle-strengthening exercises like lifting weights and regular stretching for flexibility and injury prevention.
Role of Statins
Statins are a class of medications used in reducing cholesterol levels in the blood, making them a cornerstone in the fight against CAC. These drugs reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, also known as “bad” cholesterol. They slow the progression of plaque buildup in the arteries and may even stabilize existing plaques. While statins are highly effective, you should use them under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
Role of Plaquex Drip
Plaquex therapy is an emerging complementary treatment that aims to enhance arterial health. Plaquex contains phosphatidylcholine, which helps emulsify plaques and allows them to be metabolized and removed from the body. Plaquex IV drip show promise but are not yet standard. Consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider to know whether or not this therapy aligns with your health needs and goals.
HEALOR: Find Your Primary Care Doctor Las Vegas
Managing your calcium score and boosting your heart health does not have to be overwhelming. From adopting a heart-healthy diet and exercising regularly to managing stress and exploring treatments, there are many ways to steer clear of CAC.
At HEALOR, we are ready to guide you every step of the way. Our trusted team of primary care providers in Las Vegas offers personalized integrative medicine and advanced treatments to help you achieve optimal health. Your heart deserves the effort! Contact us today at (702) 362-2273 or schedule an appointment online.
