Coronary calcium, refers to the buildup of calcium deposits in the arteries supplying the heart. This accumulation is linked to the progression of atherosclerosis, where plaque (fatty deposits) form on artery walls which leads to narrowing of your heart vessels. As atherosclerosis advances, the presence of calcium can make arteries stiff. Detecting coronary calcium through imaging helps assess the risk of heart disease, guiding interventions to maintain cardiovascular health.
What Is a Coronary Calcium Score?
Coronary calcium is the accumulation of calcium deposits in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This process is closely linked to atherosclerosis, where plaque, consisting of cholesterol and other substances, builds up on artery walls. Your coronary calcium score indicates the total area and density of calcium within your coronary arteries, and is therefore a surrogate for the degree of plaque burden within your coronary vessels. A high calcium score would therefore indicate a high plaque burden and would confer a higher risk for future cardiac events.
Doctors use these results to stratify patients into risk categories and tailor preventive measures accordingly. Elevated scores may prompt lifestyle modifications, medication, or more aggressive interventions to manage cardiovascular risk factors and enhance heart health.
How Is a Calcium Score Performed?
Small skin patches will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart beat. The scan is performed using a CT scan. You will be asked to lie down on a movable table before it slides into a tube-like machine. Pictures of your heart will be acquired using X-rays, and the scan takes around 10 minutes.
Can Coronary Calcium Deposits Be Reversed Or Treated?
Coronary calcium deposits cannot be reversed, but the progression of atherosclerosis, which causes these deposits, can be slowed or stopped. Lifestyle changes like a healthy diet, regular exercise, and medications such as statins can help manage risk factors and prevent further plaque buildup.
Although calcium deposits may persist, effective management significantly lowers the overall risk of heart disease. Regular monitoring and consistent communication with healthcare professionals are crucial for cardiovascular health.
