What is Coronary Calcium Scan? A simple heart test that could save your life
It is a CT scan with a very specific goal: checking for calcium deposits in the arteries that feed our heart. These deposits are early warning signs of plaque build-up (known as atherosclerosis) which can eventually lead to cardiac arrest. The test gives you a 'calcium score' which speaks volumes about your heart health and whether you need to heed warning signs.A score of 0 translates to Zero Plaque, which means you're in the clear. No visible heart disease. Similarly, a calcium score between 1–100 is Mild Plaque, which shows some build-up, but it is usually manageable with lifestyle changes. A score on the scan that reads between 101–400 is Moderate Plaque. That means it is time to get proactive. Medications like statins may be recommended for such patients. A score of 401+ is known as Extensive Plaque. This simply means you're at high risk; immediate action is non-negotiable for these patients.Dr. Aakruti Mehta, a preventive cardiologist and faculty member, believes, 'a CAC score of zero is the most powerful negative predictor we have in cardiology. It's like getting a clean bill of health for your arteries.' And 401 plus is also an assurance that your heart is at risk. SHOULD YOU TAKE THIS TEST? There's a caveat here that experts want you to be mindful of. The CAC isn't a scan for everyone. It is for those patients who fall somewhere 'in-between' — when you're not low-risk, but not high-risk either.There are three typical conditions that one may need to consider before opting for such a scan. "I would recommend it for a man over 40 or a woman over 50 with one or more heart risk factors (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking history). You may also consider it if the cholesterol numbers are borderline, and you're not sure whether you really need to be on medication. The scan is also recommended for someone who has a family history of heart disease, even though your own test results seem fine," adds Dr Narang. advertisement'For patients unsure about starting lifelong medications, a CAC score can settle the debate,' says Dr. Mehta. 'If it's zero, great—you may be able to delay. But if it's 250? That's not something you ignore.'On the flip side, the scan isn't really necessary if you're in your 20s or 30s, healthy, and with no family history. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OTHER HEART TESTSPeople often confuse the CAC scan with stress tests or cholesterol checks, but each test tells a different part of the story. While a cholesterol test shows risk factors, they don't tell you if you actually have heart disease. A 'Stress' tests, on the other hand, checks how well blood flows to your heart when you exercise. But they can miss smaller plaques, the ones that often rupture and cause sudden heart attacks.A CAC scan goes straight to the point. It shows actual plaque in your arteries, even before you feel a thing. As Dr. Mehta puts it: 'Most heart attacks are caused by soft plaques that rupture, not always the big blockages we usually look for in most of the cardiac tests. That's why someone can pass a stress test today and still have a heart attack next week.'advertisementLike any test, it has limitations too, but they're pretty minor in most cases. There's a little radiation exposure, but it's about the same as a mammogram or a couple of cross-country flights! CAC is not always covered by insurance, though many clinics offer it for Rs 5,000 – Rs 15,000. The scan may not show soft plaque, but calcified plaque is still a strong indicator of overall plaque burden in one's body.Dr. Dheeraj Kapoor, a Bengaluru-based radiologist who's overseen more than 2,000 CAC scans, says it best: 'The radiation is minimal, and the value of what you learn? It's immense. The test can absolutely change how someone approaches their heart health.'Here's the big picture: for decades, our approach to preventing heart disease has been based on stats and probabilities. The CAC scan offers something better: It shows you what exactly is inside your own arteries.'More than anything,' says Dr. Narang, 'the CAC scan helps people take action before something happens. That's powerful.'So if you're unsure where you stand—or you're simply tired of guessing—talk to your doctor. Ask about the CAC scan. It might just give you the clearest picture yet of your heart's future. And sometimes, knowing is everything.- Ends
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India Today
2 days ago
- India Today
This simple test can detect heart disease risk early
This simple test can detect heart disease risk early Heart disease is quietly brewing long before any symptoms actually show up. Dr. Dinesh Narang, a senior interventional cardiologist at the Lilavati Hospital, talks about a simple test called Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan that is life-saving. It is a CT scan with a very specific goal: checking for calcium deposits in the arteries that feed our heart. Credit: Getty Images What is Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan? These deposits are early warning signs of plaque build-up, which can eventually lead to cardiac arrest. The test gives you a 'calcium score' which speaks volumes about your heart health and whether you need to heed warning signs. A score of 0 means zero plaque. No visible heart disease. A score between 1–100 is mild plaque, meaning some build-up. A score reading between 101–400 is moderate plaque. That means it is time to get proactive. What does the score depict? Medications like statins may be recommended for such patients. However, a score of 401+ is known as extensive plaque, simply means you're at high risk; immediate action is non-negotiable for these patients. You can take the test if you're 40 for men or 50 for women. Or if you have one or more heart risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and a history of smoking. When should you take the test? The test should always be taken in consultation with a cardiologist's recommendation after proper medical evaluation. The test is not for mass screening. It should always be taken in consultation with a cardiologist's recommendation after proper medical evaluation. Not for everyone Early detection, lifestyle changes, and timely treatment are the best ways to stay ahead of silent killers. Know beforehand
India Today
6 days ago
- India Today
What is Coronary Calcium Scan? A simple heart test that could save your life
When we think about a cardiac arrest, we usually imagine dramatic scenes - chest pain, ambulances, and emergency surgeries. However, the truth is, for most people, heart disease is quietly brewing long before any symptoms actually show exactly where a test called the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan comes in. It's quick, non-invasive, and surprisingly underused, especially considering how much life-saving information it can traditional blood tests and stress tests are useful, but they don't actually show the disease. CAC scanning does,' says Dr. Dinesh Narang, a senior interventional cardiologist at the Lilavati Hospital. 'It's one of the few tools we have that can spot a heart attack risk that's otherwise invisible.'WHAT IS A CALCIUM SCORE? It is a CT scan with a very specific goal: checking for calcium deposits in the arteries that feed our heart. These deposits are early warning signs of plaque build-up (known as atherosclerosis) which can eventually lead to cardiac arrest. The test gives you a 'calcium score' which speaks volumes about your heart health and whether you need to heed warning signs.A score of 0 translates to Zero Plaque, which means you're in the clear. No visible heart disease. Similarly, a calcium score between 1–100 is Mild Plaque, which shows some build-up, but it is usually manageable with lifestyle changes. A score on the scan that reads between 101–400 is Moderate Plaque. That means it is time to get proactive. Medications like statins may be recommended for such patients. A score of 401+ is known as Extensive Plaque. This simply means you're at high risk; immediate action is non-negotiable for these Aakruti Mehta, a preventive cardiologist and faculty member, believes, 'a CAC score of zero is the most powerful negative predictor we have in cardiology. It's like getting a clean bill of health for your arteries.' And 401 plus is also an assurance that your heart is at risk. SHOULD YOU TAKE THIS TEST? There's a caveat here that experts want you to be mindful of. The CAC isn't a scan for everyone. It is for those patients who fall somewhere 'in-between' — when you're not low-risk, but not high-risk are three typical conditions that one may need to consider before opting for such a scan. "I would recommend it for a man over 40 or a woman over 50 with one or more heart risk factors (like high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking history). You may also consider it if the cholesterol numbers are borderline, and you're not sure whether you really need to be on medication. The scan is also recommended for someone who has a family history of heart disease, even though your own test results seem fine," adds Dr Narang. advertisement'For patients unsure about starting lifelong medications, a CAC score can settle the debate,' says Dr. Mehta. 'If it's zero, great—you may be able to delay. But if it's 250? That's not something you ignore.'On the flip side, the scan isn't really necessary if you're in your 20s or 30s, healthy, and with no family history. HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO OTHER HEART TESTSPeople often confuse the CAC scan with stress tests or cholesterol checks, but each test tells a different part of the story. While a cholesterol test shows risk factors, they don't tell you if you actually have heart disease. A 'Stress' tests, on the other hand, checks how well blood flows to your heart when you exercise. But they can miss smaller plaques, the ones that often rupture and cause sudden heart attacks.A CAC scan goes straight to the point. It shows actual plaque in your arteries, even before you feel a thing. As Dr. Mehta puts it: 'Most heart attacks are caused by soft plaques that rupture, not always the big blockages we usually look for in most of the cardiac tests. That's why someone can pass a stress test today and still have a heart attack next week.'advertisementLike any test, it has limitations too, but they're pretty minor in most cases. There's a little radiation exposure, but it's about the same as a mammogram or a couple of cross-country flights! CAC is not always covered by insurance, though many clinics offer it for Rs 5,000 – Rs 15,000. The scan may not show soft plaque, but calcified plaque is still a strong indicator of overall plaque burden in one's Dheeraj Kapoor, a Bengaluru-based radiologist who's overseen more than 2,000 CAC scans, says it best: 'The radiation is minimal, and the value of what you learn? It's immense. The test can absolutely change how someone approaches their heart health.'Here's the big picture: for decades, our approach to preventing heart disease has been based on stats and probabilities. The CAC scan offers something better: It shows you what exactly is inside your own arteries.'More than anything,' says Dr. Narang, 'the CAC scan helps people take action before something happens. That's powerful.'So if you're unsure where you stand—or you're simply tired of guessing—talk to your doctor. Ask about the CAC scan. It might just give you the clearest picture yet of your heart's future. And sometimes, knowing is everything.- Ends advertisement
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Heart attack risk? This heart scan can tell you more than a cholesterol test; but you probably haven't heard of it
When it comes to heart health, most people rely on the usual suspects , cholesterol numbers, blood pressure readings, maybe a stress test if things look off. But what if there's a scan that could tell you your real heart attack risk long before symptoms show up? There is a quick, painless CT scan that looks for calcium buildup in your arteries (a major red flag for heart disease). Tired of too many ads? go ad free now It's way more accurate at predicting future heart attacks than just looking at cholesterol alone. The kicker? Most people have never even heard of it. Whether you're in your 40s and feeling fine or just curious about your long-term heart health, this scan might be the wake-up call you didn't know you needed. Here's what it is, how it works, and why it might just save your life. What is the Coronary Artery Calcium Test ? The CAC test is a simple, non-invasive CT scan (a type of X-ray) that looks specifically for calcium deposits in the coronary arteries the blood vessels that supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood. These calcium spots are essentially hardened bits of plaque resulting from the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances in your arteries (a process called atherosclerosis). The presence and amount of calcium in your arteries signal the extent of coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the main cause of heart attacks. Think of it this way: Your cholesterol test gives you clues, but it's kind of like guessing what's inside a wrapped gift. The CAC test is like unwrapping it to see if there's actually something you should worry about inside your arteries. "A coronary calcium scan isn't for everyone, but it's the finest way for those who are uncertain about their heart disease risk to make better decisions about treatment and medications," Michael Blaha, M.D., M.P.H., director of clinical research at the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease at Johns Hopkins. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Why is this test a game changer? Many people rely on cholesterol levels (LDL, HDL, total cholesterol) and traditional risk calculators to estimate their heart attack risk. But these don't always tell the whole story. The CAC test: Detects plaque buildup early often before symptoms appear. Helps predict your actual heart attack risk better than cholesterol numbers alone. Guides decisions on preventative treatment, especially whether or not you should start or continue statin medications (which lower cholesterol). Gives you a clear calcium score, a numeric value that correlates with your risk level — from zero (no calcium, low risk) to over 1,000 (very high risk). Who should consider getting a CAC Test? The test isn't for everyone. Various health guidelines suggest considering it if you: Are between 40-80 years old. Have an intermediate risk of heart disease based on risk factors like age, blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, or family history. Are unsure whether to start statin therapy or want to weigh benefits versus possible side effects. Have a family history of early heart disease but otherwise seem low-risk. Your healthcare provider can help you decide if this test makes sense for you. It's not typically recommended if you have low risk or already have known heart disease, because other tests may be better suited then. What does the research say? Studies in the US consistently highlight how the CAC test improves risk prediction. For example, the MESA study (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis) showed that CAC scoring can better identify those at risk of heart attack who might have been missed by traditional risk calculators. The test also helps avoid unnecessary statin use in low-risk people scoring zero, reducing overtreatment. If you're worried about your heart health but don't have clear symptoms, and your cholesterol or risk scores seem 'in the middle,' a CAC test can be a powerful eye-opener. Here's something wild—Johns Hopkins researchers studied nearly 7,000 people to see how well we're actually predicting heart risk. They looked at two methods: one used the usual risk factors like cholesterol levels, smoking habits, blood pressure, and diabetes. The other added in results from a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan—that quick CT scan that checks for calcium buildup in your heart arteries. Turns out, adding the CAC scan seriously sharpened the accuracy. According to a 2013 study published in the European Heart Journal, some people who were told they were at very low risk based on traditional factors actually had high calcium scores—15% of them, in fact. That's a big deal. Even more surprising? Around 35% of people flagged as high risk had zero calcium buildup, meaning they might not be in as much danger as once thought. Bottom line: the CAC test can change how we see and treat heart risk—big time. It's quick, painless, and offers a peek inside your arteries that cholesterol tests simply can't. The real value? Knowing your risk can save your life by prompting early treatment or lifestyle changes — or putting your mind at ease if your arteries are clean. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before considering a Coronary Artery Calcium test or making heart health decisions. Individual risks vary, and only a qualified professional can provide guidance tailored to your specific needs.
