Unlocking the Secret of the Calcium Score: A Vital Tool in Heart Health

In the realm of cardiovascular health, one metric stands out as a game-changer: the Coronary Calcium Score (CAC). Developed in 1986, this test gained momentum in the 90s as a pivotal method for assessing heart disease risk. Fast forward to today, and you'll find the CAC test readily available at hospitals and imaging centers, offering invaluable insights into your heart health. Here at Boone Heart Institute, we've honed a unique approach centered around this crucial diagnostic tool.

So, what exactly is the Coronary Calcium Score? It's a non-invasive scan that swiftly evaluates the extent of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease by measuring calcified plaque in your arteries. Ideally, a score of 0 signifies a pristine coronary artery, free from plaque buildup. However, any score above 0 signals the presence of plaque, triggering a need for careful interpretation.

Here's where the Boone Heart method diverges from conventional thinking. While it's intuitive to assume that a higher CAC score spells trouble, the reality is more nuanced. The plaque within arterial walls calcifies as it heals, with the most hazardous forms remaining soft and prone to rupture. Thus, in patients harboring even minimal plaque, we anticipate their CAC scores to rise during treatment. Through a combination of medication, targeted supplements, and lifestyle adjustments, we aim to stabilize plaque, albeit at the expense of seeing CAC scores escalate from 2 to 20 to 200.

Consequently, repetitive CAC testing loses its utility once initial plaque is detected. Instead, the Calcium Score shines as an economical screening tool for early plaque detection. Over the years, complementary evaluations like the Coronary CT Angiogram have emerged, providing a comprehensive view by assessing both soft and calcified plaque, enhancing our understanding of susceptibility to this insidious disease.

In our ongoing quest for heart health, the Calcium Score serves as a beacon, guiding us toward proactive interventions and informed decisions. Embrace the power of knowledge and take charge of your cardiovascular well-being today.

Contact us today to learn more, and schedule your Coronary CT Angiogram today!