Stop the risk of acute heart attack and coronary artery disease because the heart is an important and unique organ. Do not be complacent just because there are no symptoms. In Thailand, more than 70,000 people die from heart and vascular diseases annually, or 8 people die every hour. Calcium Scoring is a method to check the amount of calcium deposits in the blood vessels to help detect potential risks unknowingly. It helps to recognize the silent threat of heart disease that may be hidden and allows precise treatment planning as well as monitoring when abnormalities are found.
- What causes calcium deposits in blood vessels and why does it increase the risk of heart attack?
- Who should get a coronary artery calcium scoring (CT Calcium Scoring)?
- How is coronary artery calcium scoring performed?
- How to prepare for coronary artery calcium scoring (CT Calcium Scoring)?
- Advantages of coronary artery calcium scoring (CT Calcium Scoring)
- How to prevent calcium deposits in blood vessels
What causes calcium deposits in blood vessels and why does it increase the risk of heart attack?
One cause of calcium deposits in blood vessels is the presence of “calcium” which results from the natural degeneration of calcium in the body accumulating into hard lumps. Or when the body has inflammation in any area, it produces calcium to protect the injured site, causing accumulation that forms plaques that stick firmly and thicken in the arteries. This results in reduced or insufficient blood flow to the heart, increasing the risk of coronary artery disease and leading to acute heart attack. Other factors include family history of coronary artery disease or heavy smoking.
Who should get a coronary artery calcium scoring (CT Calcium Scoring)?
1. People aged 45 and above, especially women who are postmenopausal
2. People with a family history of coronary artery disease
3. People at risk of heart disease such as those with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, as well as those who are obese or severely overweight
4. People who smoke or are regularly exposed to cigarette smoke
How is coronary artery calcium scoring performed?
Coronary artery calcium scoring is a test to prevent the risk of acute heart attack and coronary artery disease. It measures the amount of calcium deposited within the walls of the arteries using high-speed computerized X-rays or CT Scan machines to detect the calcium amount inside the artery walls, indicating the likelihood of coronary artery disease risk.
Calcium Score = 0 means no calcium deposits in the coronary arteries
Calcium Score 1-100 means small calcium deposits in the coronary arteries with a low risk of coronary artery disease
Calcium Score 101-400 means moderate calcium deposits in the coronary arteries with a moderate to high risk of coronary artery disease
Calcium Score 401 and above may indicate hidden arterial stenosis with a very high risk of coronary artery disease, which may occur within 2-5 years even without any symptoms.
How to prepare for coronary artery calcium scoring (CT Calcium Scoring)
1. No need to fast or avoid food and water before the test
2. Avoid tea, coffee, and caffeinated drinks for at least 12 hours before the test
3. Avoid smoking for at least 4 hours before the test
4. Avoid medications that stimulate the heart or increase heart rate
The test takes a short time. Just lie down with your arms raised above your head, hold your breath as instructed by the staff, and it will be completed in about 10 minutes.
Advantages of coronary artery calcium scoring CT Calcium Scoring
1. No need for heart catheterization dye injection or contrast agents
2. No hospital stay required
3. No special preparation needed before the test
Because heart attack or coronary artery disease may not show symptoms, preventive testing helps doctors assess the situation and plan treatment if abnormalities are found.
How to prevent calcium deposits in blood vessels
Controlling calcium deposits in the body cannot be directly managed because it is a natural internal mechanism. However, we can adjust daily lifestyle behaviors to prevent coronary artery disease or acute heart attack. Start by keeping the body healthy, getting enough rest, choosing nutritious food, exercising regularly, managing stress, and having regular health check-ups every year.
Because we cannot know the amount of calcium accumulated in the coronary arteries, calcium scoring or coronary artery calcium testing can help prevent the risk of acute heart attack and reduce severity. Death from coronary artery disease sometimes occurs without any prior symptoms.