You’re not the only person who gets a little uneasy at the thought of heart scans and enigmatic numbers. A lot of people in Singapore (and elsewhere) are unsure of the exact meaning of a CT calcium score and how it relates to heart health in general. The fact is, though, even if you feel completely well, this easy, non-invasive scan may provide important information about your risk of heart disease.
What Is a CT Calcium Score, Really?
A particular kind of CT scan called a CT calcium score, or coronary artery calcium scoring, checks for calcified plaque in the arteries that carry blood to your heart. Blockages, a significant risk factor for heart attacks, can result from the accumulation of calcium, cholesterol, and other materials in these arteries over time.
There are no needles or dyes needed, and the scan is quick and painless. But the data it provides? possibly transformative.
What Do the Numbers Mean?
Your CT calcium score is a number between zero and several hundred (or even higher). The higher the number, the more plaque has been detected. Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Score 0: No visible plaque. Low risk of heart disease in the near term.
- Score 1-99: Small amounts of plaque. Mild risk.
- Score 100-399: Moderate plaque buildup. Moderate to high risk.
- Score 400 and above: Significant plaque. High risk of heart events.
It’s important to note that the calcium score doesn’t tell you how narrow your arteries are, but it does reveal the extent of calcified plaque, which is a strong predictor of heart risk.
Why Is the Score Important?
Many heart conditions develop silently. You could have normal cholesterol levels and no symptoms, yet still have significant plaque in your arteries. That’s where a CT calcium score comes in handy, it offers a snapshot of your hidden heart health.
A higher score doesn’t mean you’re heading straight for a heart attack, but it does mean you and your doctor should talk about steps to manage your risk through lifestyle changes, medication, or further tests.
When Should You Consider Getting One?
Doctors often recommend a CT calcium score for people over 40, especially if you have risk factors like:
- Family history of heart disease
- High cholesterol or blood pressure
- Smoking history
- Diabetes
Know Your Score, Know Your Risk
You don’t always hear loud warnings from your heart. Occasionally, it uses quiet numbers, such as a CT calcium score. Additionally, knowing those figures can enable you to make decisions today that will safeguard your heart tomorrow.
Your CT calcium score can be decoded, and we at The Heart Doctors can help you decide what to do next. Make an appointment for a consultation if you’ve been unsure of your risk and receive the understanding your heart needs.
