A Calcium Heart Score measures the amount of plaque buildup in your heart’s arteries. As cholesterol deposits in the arterial walls, it can become calcified. A CT scan detects this calcium, similar to how X-rays identify calcium in bones. Significant calcium buildup may signal dangerous plaque levels, raising the risk of a heart attack. Therefore, your calcium heart score is an important predictor of future heart health concerns.
Understanding the Plaque in Your Arteries
The plaque in your arteries is a mix of fat and calcium, which can harm your heart. Initially, the plaque is soft and waxy but hardens over time, causing two serious issues:
- Clogs arteries – Slowing blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching vital areas.
- Triggers blood clots – Increasing the risk of a heart attack.
Why is a Calcium Heart Score Test Important?
The Calcium Heart Score test helps determine how much calcified plaque is in your arteries. An elevated score may indicate the need for lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart attack.
A normal calcium score is 0, meaning no calcified plaque is present, though most people will develop some plaque as they age.
Interpreting Your Calcium Heart Score
Calcium heart scores range from 0 and higher. Higher scores indicate more plaque and a higher likelihood of heart disease. Here’s a breakdown:
- 0: No calcified plaque (Low risk: <5% of coronary artery disease)
- 1-10: Minimal plaque (Low risk: <10%)
- 11-100: Mild plaque (Minimal narrowing of arteries)
- 101-300: Moderate plaque (Higher risk: Possible heart attack in 3-5 years)
- 300-400: Extensive plaque (Very high risk: High chance of heart attack)
What is a Good Calcium Heart Score?
There’s no specific “normal” range, but your calcium heart score helps assess your risk of heart disease. A higher score indicates the need for action to lower your risk of a heart attack and other heart issues. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, including adjustments to diet, exercise, and possibly medication.
Comparing your calcium heart score to others of the same age, gender, and ethnicity can provide more context.
Can You Lower Your Calcium Score?
While you can’t reverse calcified plaque, lifestyle changes can slow its progression and reduce heart disease risk:
- Heart-healthy diet: Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats.
- Regular exercise: Improves heart health and manages weight.
- Quit smoking: Reduces risk of further plaque buildup.
- Stress management: Practice techniques like yoga or mindfulness.
- Medications: Statins may be prescribed to lower cholesterol.
These changes can help protect your heart and improve overall cardiovascular health.
MedRVA Imaging Center at West Creek Can Help
A calcium heart score test is a non-invasive, quick, and effective way to detect heart disease early. We recommend it for women over 40 and men over 35 with at least two risk factors, including:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Family history of coronary heart disease
- Smoking or obesity
- PAD (peripheral artery disease)
Special Offer for Heart Month
In honor of Heart Month this February, we’re offering CT Calcium Heart Score tests for just $90! This simple, painless test takes less than 5 minutes and provides valuable insights into your heart health.
Schedule Your Test at MedRVA Imaging Center at West Creek Today!
Take advantage of our limited-time offer and prioritize your heart health this February. Serving the Greater Richmond area and beyond, we make it easy for you to get the care you need.
Walk-ins are welcome with a physician’s order. Don’t wait—contact us today to schedule your test and ensure your heart health is in good hands!
In addition to our CT Calcium Heart Score test, we’re excited to offer advanced DXA body composition scans at MedRVA Imaging Center at West Creek. The DXA scan provides precise measurements of your body fat, muscle mass, and bone density, helping you gain a deeper understanding of your health. Combining this with a Calcium Heart Score gives you a comprehensive view of both your heart and overall wellness.
Learn more and schedule your DXA scan today by checking out our blog here!