“Heart” does indeed have the function of pumping blood to nourish various parts of the body… but the “heart” also needs blood to nourish itself. This is the role of the “coronary arteries,” which serve as the pathways for red blood cells to transport nutrients and oxygen to the heart muscle. “Coronary arteries” are therefore very important to human life because if these arteries become narrowed or blocked, causing the heart to lack blood, it would be difficult for our body to return to normal, or it could even lead to sudden death, as we have seen in cases where a person suffers a heart attack and collapses immediately.
One cause of coronary artery narrowing is calcium deposits on the arteries
One cause of “coronary artery blockage” is the presence of “calcium deposits” or “calcium” that adhere firmly, gradually accumulating into thick and hard plaques on the arteries. Eventually, this leads to narrowing or blockage of the arteries, reducing or obstructing blood flow to the heart. Detecting coronary artery calcium deposits (CT Calcium score) is the best method to help us stay ahead, prevent, and reduce the risk of disease symptoms.
Coronary artery calcium detection (CT Calcium score)
Coronary artery calcium detection (CT Calcium Score) measures the amount of calcium deposited within the walls of the coronary arteries using a high-speed computed tomography (CT Scan). This provides clear images that can capture the heart beating, show the quality of blood flow, and quantify even small amounts of calcium buildup in the artery walls. The amount of calcium detected indicates the risk of coronary artery disease—the more calcium found, the higher the risk of disease.
Is there calcium buildup in the coronary arteries? How much is dangerous?
The results from a high-speed computed tomography (CT Scan) accurately indicate the amount of calcium accumulated in the coronary artery walls and reveal whether you are at risk of sudden coronary artery blockage.
- A Calcium Score of 0 means no calcium deposits in the coronary arteries.
- A Calcium Score of 1-100 means there are small calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, with a low chance of coronary artery disease.
- A Calcium Score of 101-400 means moderate calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, with a moderate to high risk of coronary artery blockage.
- A Calcium Score of 401 or higher means there may be hidden artery narrowing, with a very high risk of coronary artery blockage, possibly occurring within 2-5 years, regardless of symptoms.
Calcium detection in coronary arteries helps prevention and risk reduction
Calcium detection results in the coronary arteries help doctors analyze and assess the risk of coronary artery diseases. The use of high-speed computed tomography (CT Scan) provides accurate results, convenience, and many advantages such as:
- Takes only 10-20 minutes
- Non-invasive, no hospitalization required
- No need for heart catheterization, injections, or contrast agents
Who should get tested for coronary artery calcium deposits?
If you fall into any of these categories, you should get tested to be aware of the disease in a timely manner:
- People over 45 years old, especially postmenopausal women
- Those at risk of heart disease, such as diabetes, kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, or overweight
- Those with a family history of coronary artery disease
- Smokers or those regularly exposed to cigarette smoke
Simple preparation before coronary artery calcium detection
- No need to fast or avoid food before the test
- Avoid medications that stimulate the heart or increase heart rate
- Avoid tea, coffee, or caffeinated beverages
- Refrain from smoking for at least 4 hours before the test
- Change into hospital gown
- Remove jewelry or any items on the chest area
We cannot know if we have “calcium deposits” in our coronary arteries or how much risk we have for a heart attack without testing.
Therefore, everyone should undergo “coronary artery calcium detection” using advanced medical equipment and be examined by a specialist doctor to prevent severity and reduce potential risks. Having a large amount of calcium deposits in the heart can cause sudden death from coronary artery blockage.
Dr. Chayut Chewapruk
Cardiologist
Heart Center, Phyathai Nawamin Hospital
