This simple test can reveal hidden risk of heart attack; what to know

A simple test can assess your risk of a future heart attack by providing clues about heart disease-causing plaque, allowing you to take preventive measures well before it could turn fatal.

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, a less popular measure to evaluate risk of coronary heart disease, could be effective in people whose risk for heart attacks is neither high nor low. People with a strong family history of early coronary artery disease can go for this. It is also ideal for people who are not sure about their risk of heart attack, but want to know about the status of their heart health.

A heart attack happens when blood flow to the heart is significantly reduced or completely blocked. This blockage typically results from a buildup of fat, cholesterol, and other substances within the coronary arteries. These deposits, known as plaques, accumulate over time through a process called atherosclerosis.

What is a CAC score and what does it indicate?

The CAC score is a CT scan that uses a series of X-rays to take pictures of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle and check if there's plaque that contains calcium. This screening method can measure the
calcium buildup in the walls of the heart’s arteries, and depending on your score the risk of future heart attacks can be assessed.

Low vs high score: What do they indicate about your heart health

A calcium score of zero means there is no coronary calcium present and the person is at a very low risk for heart disease. A score of 400 and above indicates a high risk of heart disease, stroke or other heart disease.

Who shouldn't take the test?

People who have a low risk of heart disease are not advised to go for the test. It is also not recommended for those with a high risk of heart attacks, according to MayoClinic.

It is also not suggested if you have had a heart attack, a heart stent or coronary bypass surgery, because other tests done for the events show the heart arteries.

What else does the test show?

The test reveals several important details about heart health. It helps identify congenital heart defects, apart from detecting problems with the heart valves, artery blockages, and even tumors or masses in the heart. It can also provide insight into how well the heart is pumping, offering a comprehensive view of overall heart function.

Are there any risks of this test?

According to Cleveland clinic, a calcium score test doesn’t use an injection of contrast dye, so there is no risk of side effects due to that.

There could be a minimal risk of cancer if you have several CT scans and are younger than 40. A calcium score test exposes you to about the same amount of radiation as you would naturally get in a year. A CT scan is not advised for pregnant women as it can harm a fetus.