Heart health awareness is a vital aspect of overall well-being, and it’s never a bad idea to dig deeper into your own cardiovascular function and disease risk. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach to cardiovascular disease prevention while also relying on traditional diagnostic tests like the CT calcium scan. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of coronary calcium scans and why we recommend them!
What is a coronary calcium scan?
A coronary artery calcium scan (CAC) is a special type of X-ray that uses computerized tomography to show the calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart. These calcium deposits indicate plaque buildup, which restricts blood flow and narrows your arteries, increasing your risk of a heart attack. A CAC can also be referred to as a coronary calcium CT scan or a calcium score test, and can possibly show coronary artery disease (CAD) before symptoms even start.
Why is it done?
In addition to better understanding your risk of a heart attack and heart disease, coronary calcium scans take a snapshot of your heart’s overall health, from artery blockages and valve issues to the organ’s pumping function. Those who have a history of heart problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure, are overweight, or use tobacco products (now or in the past) are great candidates for a CT scan, however, it’s also a fantastic tool for those who are unsure about their about their level of heart disease risk.
What do the results mean?
A score of zero or a negative calcium CT scan means you have no plaque buildup–anything higher than zero is a positive score that indicates some level of plaque and risk of coronary artery disease:
- Less than 100 indicates mild evidence of CAD
- Up to 400 indicates moderate evidence of CAD
- Anything above 400 indicates strong evidence of CAD
This calcium score, along with all of your other risk factors, determines your risk of a future heart attack, making a CT scan one of the first steps in heart disease prevention.
Why do we recommend it?
Coronary calcium scans are one of the best ways to determine your risk of coronary artery disease, which then provides a baseline for our personalized treatment based on your results (rather than just prescribing medications and nothing more). A CT scan is critical for early detection and uncovers the underlying causes of heart disease.
Our Preventative Medicine Approach to Coronary Artery Risk
The goal of functional medicine is to capture the whole picture when it comes to a person’s health. We utilize thorough functional medicine labs that go beyond standard bloodwork, take a comprehensive look at your family history, and create a customized treatment plan that addresses what your body needs, whether that’s targeted cardiovascular supplements, diet and lifestyle changes, stress management, and more.
Are you interested in learning more about your coronary artery risk and coronary calcium scans? Request a consultation with our functional medicine practitioners in Atlanta. We look forward to speaking with you and implementing simple strategies that can improve your heart health!
