Choose the content to read
- Why CT scan calcium score?
- What causes calcium plaque deposits in the coronary arteries?
- Who should have a CT scan calcium score test?
- How CT scan calcium score indicates coronary artery disease risk?
- What is the preparation before the CT scan calcium score?
- What is the benefit of the CT scan calcium score?
- Lifestyle modification for those with a high calcium score on CT scan
- CT Scan Calcium Score at MedPark Hospital
CT scan calcium score
CT scan calcium score measures the amount of calcium in the coronary artery wall that supplies blood to the heart muscle to assess the risk of coronary artery disease. A computed tomography (CT) scan enables accurate quantification of calcium accumulated within the plaques of the coronary artery wall and assigns a numerical score reflecting the aggregate calcium quantity which correlates with the overall burden of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. If the results of the test show plaque accumulates in large amounts, the risk of cardiovascular disease, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, thrombosis, and ischemic heart disease, which is the cause of acute myocardial infarction and death, is increased. CT scan calcium score is considered a quick, accurate, and safe screening test without surgery. Additionally, a coronary calcium score is preventive medicine that can effectively save lives from potentially fatal diseases.
Why CT scan calcium score?
Calcified plaque buildup on the coronary artery wall causes coronary artery disease stenosis, or complete occlusion, impeding blood from flowing through the artery walls where plaque accumulates, resulting in an insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle. As a result, the heart muscle has to work harder to pump blood to supply different parts of the body, resulting in chest pain, myocardial ischemia, and myocardial infarction, which eventually leads to a heart attack and death. CT scan calcium score results in a potential treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and help extend life expectancy.
What causes calcium plaque deposits in the coronary arteries?
- Calcium deficiency in the body occurs naturally as we age, resulting in the formation of calcium plaque.
- Natural immunity produces calcium to protect the coronary arteries from inflammation.
- Excessive body fat and cholesterol accumulate in the coronary arteries, along with calcium plaque.
- Vitamin D and K2 deficiency impair calcium absorption, causing residual calcium to accumulate in the coronary arteries.
- A decrease in estrogen causes plaque accumulation in the blood vessels, particularly during menopause.
- Smoking: Research has shown that smoking raises the calcium level in the coronary arteries.
Who should have a CT scan calcium score test?
- Those with a family history of heart disease
- Those at moderate risk of heart disease
- Those aged 40 and up, both male and female, even if there are no signs or symptoms.
- Those with underlying diseases such as heart disease, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease
- Those with a body mass index (BMI) over 25.0 kg/m2 are obese or at risk of obesity.
- Those who regularly consume high-fat foods.
- Those who smoke regularly.
- Those who do not exercise.
- Women going through menopause.
How CT scan calcium score indicates coronary artery disease risk?
CT scan calcium score utilizes a high-speed computed tomography (CT) scan to capture gated images of a beating heart to measure the calcium level in the coronary arteries and process the results as a calcium score. The calcium score interpretation obtained correlates with the likelihood of having coronary artery disease as follows:
- CAC Score 0: A negative test, no plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries; no risk of coronary heart disease
- Calcium Score between 1 and 100: Mild evidence of coronary heart disease and plaque accumulation in the coronary arteries.
- Calcium Score between 101-400: Moderate coronary plaque accumulation and a moderate risk of coronary heart disease.
- Calcium Score of 401 or higher: high accumulation of coronary artery plaque and a very high risk of coronary heart disease. There may be symptoms of cardiovascular disease within 2–5 years.
What is the preparation before the CT scan calcium score?
- Notify the doctor before proceeding with the CT scan calcium score if you have an underlying disease, an allergic history, taking medications, or are pregnant.
- Avoid drugs that stimulate heart function or cause the pulse to beat faster.
- Avoid drinks that stimulate the heart's function, such as caffeine-containing beverages such as tea and coffee.
- Refrain from smoking at least 4 hours before the test.
- Remove all jewelry before taking the test.
- The CT scan calcium score result is available on the same day.
What is the benefit of the CT scan calcium score?
- Provide crucial health information to assist doctors in analyzing and assessing the risk of coronary artery disease, thrombosis, and other cardiovascular system diseases, resulting in an appropriate treatment plan.
- Provide the result of accumulated calcium buildup in the coronary artery, allowing for the prediction and prevention of potentially serious diseases.
- Non-invasive, no hospitalization, and can return home right after the test.
- No fasting before the test.
- Safe and painless test.
- No catheterization or injection of contrast material
- No medical equipment is inserted into the body.
- Convenient and quick, the test takes only 10–15 minutes to complete.
- No side effects.
Lifestyle modification for those with a high calcium score on CT scan
If the CT scan calcium score indicates high cardiovascular disease risk, the cardiologist will devise a treatment plan tailored specifically to each individual, which may include the administration of medications to help reduce calcium buildup in the coronary artery in conjunction with the following behavioral adjustments:
- The doctor may prescribe statins or other medications to help lower lipids and control cholesterol levels in the blood.
- Plan specific exercises for those with a BMI above the average or who are obese.
- Engage in a regular exercise schedule of at least 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes each time.
- Food adjustments, avoiding foods high in saturated fat and cholesterol.
- The doctor will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor symptoms periodically.
- Additional health screenings, such as an exercise stress test (EST) by walking on a treadmill.
- Quit smoking
- Engaging in stress-relieving activities
CT Scan Calcium Score at MedPark Hospital
MedPark Hospital’s Cardiology Center is staffed by board-certified cardiologists who specialize in evaluating the presence of calcified atherosclerotic plaque inside the arteries, using advanced diagnostic tests and state-of-the-art imaging technology and equipment to provide an accurate diagnosis quickly, monitoring the progression of plaque development, and providing evidence-based therapies and interventions with prompt and attentive care, allowing our patients to live a long, healthier life with a healthy heart.
CT Scan Calcium Score cost at MedPark Hospital
Price 5,200 baht*
*The price is valid from now until 30 June 2024
