Coronary artery disease remains a significant health concern in Thailand, with a rising incidence. Observable symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, and reduced capacity for physical activity or daily tasks. Those affected by coronary heart disease are at a heightened risk of experiencing sudden myocardial infarction, often due to the accumulation of fatty deposits within artery walls. Additionally, the presence of calcium or plaque buildup further contributes to arterial stiffness and constriction, exacerbating the condition.
What is the Test for Detecting Calcium in the Coronary Arteries?
The Coronary Calcium Score, also known as Coronary Artery Calcium Score, is a diagnostic measure of calcium buildup within the coronary artery walls. This assessment is conducted using high-speed computed tomography (CT scan) for quicker and highly accurate results. It’s important to note that calcium deposits in the coronary arteries are not exclusive to older individuals or solely linked to atherosclerosis. Such deposits can also manifest in individuals with arterial issues, including abnormal fat accumulation on the vessel walls. This process triggers a chemical reaction leading to the formation of fatty plaques, which, over time, can narrow the blood vessels, increasing the risk of acute myocardial infarction due to acute embolism.
Hence, the identification of calcium or plaque in the coronary arteries is essential, as it quantifies the calcium buildup within the artery walls, signifying a heightened susceptibility to coronary heart disease. This diagnostic evaluation serves as a crucial indicator of the increased risk of experiencing acute myocardial infarction resulting from acute embolism, which carries a significantly elevated risk of fatality.
What Are the Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease?
- A family history of coronary heart disease
- Males over 45 years old and females over 50 years old.
- Women in menopause
- Having high blood pressure and diabetes
- Smoking
- Abnormal blood lipids, including Cholesterol (Normal < 200 mg/dL)
- Elevated Triglycerides (Normal < 150 mg/dL)
- Having high levels of LDL-c (ldl-c) fats; should be <130 mg/dl.
- Having low levels of HDL fat (hdl-c); should be >40 mg/dl.
*Sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and stress.
Benefits of Coronary Artery Calcium Detection
Measuring the level of calcium in the coronary arteries is a quick and painless procedure that typically takes about 10 minutes. It doesn’t require a hospital stay or the injection of contrast dye into the heart. Additionally, the images obtained through this method are exceptionally sharp, thanks to the high-speed capabilities of the imaging device. It can accurately capture the heart’s beating patterns and provide precise information about the extent of plaque buildup within the coronary artery walls. This data is invaluable for assessing the patient’s risk of cardiovascular disease. Consequently, physicians can utilize this analytical data to make informed treatment decisions tailored to each patient’s needs.
What test results indicate a risk of coronary artery disease?
The Calcium Score test results are graded on a scale of 0-400. A score within this range suggests a low to moderate risk of coronary heart disease. However, if the Calcium Score test yields a value of 400 or higher, it may indicate concealed coronary artery disease. In such cases, the risk of developing coronary artery disease within 2-5 years becomes significantly elevated, whether or not symptoms are present. After receiving the examination results, it is crucial to adhere closely to the doctor’s recommendations and incorporate other recommended lifestyle changes.
- Adopting Behavior Modification for Risk Reduction, for example, quitting smoking or reducing smoking habits; opting for a low-energy, high-fiber diet rich in vegetables and fruits; avoiding or abstaining from saturated fat-rich foods like quail eggs, various shellfish, shrimp, mayonnaise, butter, cream, and hard margarine. Furthermore, cutting back on dishes containing coconut milk and fried foods and limiting tea, coffee, and soft drink consumption to 1-2 times per week can also help reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
- Seek Regular Medical Consultations for Optimal Health: Individuals with high blood pressure, diabetes, or a history of chest pain should consult a cardiologist for specialized guidance. Consider annual assessments of coronary arteries through treadmill stress tests to ensure comprehensive cardiovascular health.
- Exercise regularly as part of your routine. Aim for a minimum of 20-30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week.
- Prioritize your mental well-being: Foster a positive and stress-free mindset to promote mental health and overall well-being.
However, if you experience unusual symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, fainting, palpitations, or persistent chest discomfort, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Consulting a doctor for a heart disease risk assessment can be a proactive step to ensure early detection and intervention.
