The Coronary Calcium Scores Heart Test: How Useful Is It? – Part II
A trial based on the information derived from the Multi-Racial Study of Atherosclerosis demonstrated that women in the low risk bracket and elevated calcium scores were at an analogous risk of heart attack or death due to heart ailment as persons in the high risk band. Hence, the coronary calcium scores test must be done by women in the age bracket of 45- 65 years that have a minimum of one risk element or even those having no risk aspects but with an overriding family history.
Those persons in the low risk bracket are not likely to develop calcium deposition, and even it is present, their risk of a cardiac episode is majorly low. It is crucial that men aged between 45 and 75 years and women in the age bracket of 55 and 75 years must go in for heart scanning by the coronary calcium scan or the other option being carotid artery ultrasound —irrespective of the presence or lack of any risk elements. There are individuals having low levels of cholesterol or several other risk aspects and still suffering from heart ailments.
There are certain sections of doctors that argue regarding the need for additional research to find whether extensive screening will actually be of any assistance. Screening everybody amounts to soaring expenses and identification of small anomalies that could be inconsequential but could lead to unwarranted apprehensions and additional tests.
Pros of Coronary Calcium Scores
The Coronary Calcium Scores heart test is swift and pain-free and is the most researched method as compared to the carotid artery ultrasound. The calcium scores are more apt at forecasting the likelihood of developing potential heart ailments as the presence of calcium in the blood vessels is unmistakably an indicator of atherosclerosis and it could be enumerated.
Cons of Coronary Calcium Scores
As calcium accruement is not the foremost event that occurs during the course of plaque accumulation, ‘a negative outcome does not necessarily equate to not having atherosclerosis. Hence, a low score or an absence of calcium score might make one feel out of harm’s way when actually one might be at risk.
Aging tends to lead to some plaque deposition and calcified arteries are a common occurrence in elderly people. Hence, an affirmative test does not essentially mean one is at risk.
In a particular study, sapped calcium levels were noted in two-thirds of the candidates that did not undergo any coronary episodes. The solution lies in one’s relative scoring – how one is in comparison to one’s peers. One might be at a heightened risk solely if the score is majorly higher than usual based on one’s age and gender.
The test doesn’t entail any radiation exposure, though if present is in trivial doses. A recent AHA recommendation states that CT scans must be employed with caution to lower the chances of being exposed to ionizing radiations, but however medically apposite exams must not be circumvented.
Read more at: The Coronary Calcium Scores Heart Test: How Useful Is It? – Part I
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