Have you had or been sent to have Calcium Score Test ? One of the most important things you can do for your heart is to be aware of your risk factors for heart disease, and Heartstrong Nutraceuticals is here to help you in this journey.
This includes knowing your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. Another important risk factor is the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries.
What is a Calcium Score Test?
A calcium score test is a non-invasive imaging test that measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. Calcium is a mineral that can build up in the walls of your arteries over time. This buildup can narrow or block your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack.
The calcium score test is a quick and easy procedure. You will lie on a table while a CT scanner takes images of your heart. Your calcium score is a number that represents the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. A higher score means that you have more calcium in your arteries and a higher risk of heart disease.
How to Interpret Your Calcium Score Results?
Your doctor will analyze and interpret your calcium score results, taking into consideration your age, sex, and other crucial risk factors associated with heart disease. These risk factors may encompass elements like your family history of heart-related issues, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes status, and lifestyle habits including smoking and exercise.
Calcium score results should not be viewed in isolation. Instead, they should be considered in conjunction with these various risk factors to understand your heart health. Here is a general guide to aid you in interpreting your calcium score results:
- Score of 0: No evidence of calcium buildup in the coronary arteries. Very low risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years.
- Score of 1 to 100: Minimal evidence of calcium buildup. Low risk of heart attack in the next 10 years.
- Score of 101 to 400: Moderate evidence of calcium buildup. Moderate risk of heart attack in the next 10 years.
- Score of 401 or higher: Extensive evidence of calcium buildup. High risk of heart attack in the next 10 years.
What to Do If You Have a High Calcium Score?
If you have a high calcium score, your doctor will recommend treatments according to your needs along with supplements for your heart and overall health improvement, and also lifestyle changes to reduce your risk of heart disease. These changes may include:
- Eating a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet can help lower your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It is also important to limit saturated and trans fats.
- Exercising regularly: Exercise helps to strengthen your heart and improve your circulation. Aim to exercise most days of the week.
- Losing weight if you are overweight or obese: Losing weight can help lower your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
- Quitting smoking: Smoking damages your arteries and increases your risk of heart disease.
The calcium score test is a crucial assessment for determining your risk of heart disease. If your calcium score is high, it's likely that your doctor will suggest lifestyle changes and may prescribe medications to help reduce your risk of a heart attack.
For those looking to support their body's heart health, Heartstrong Nutraceuticals offers a range of products tailored to assist in this endeavor. If heart health is a concern for you, consider the importance of a calcium score test. To learn more about how Heartstrong Nutraceuticals can assist in supporting your journey towards heart health, please visit our Products page. Embrace the opportunity to enhance your body's heart health with Heartstrong Nutraceuticals by your side.