Heart Calcium

What Is A Heart Calcium Test?

A Heart Calcium Test, also known as a Coronary Calcium Scan or Heart CT Calcium Scan, employs advanced CT technology to create detailed heart images, revealing calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits, called atherosclerotic plaque, contain calcium, fats, and other substances.

Over time, they can narrow the arteries, reducing blood flow to the heart and increasing heart disease risk. Importantly, this test is non-invasive and can detect coronary artery disease early, often before symptoms appear.

The Heart Calcium Tests are instruments for healthcare professionals to oversee and interpret the test results. This resource enables healthcare providers to capture patient information, detail test preparations and procedures, and, most importantly, evaluate and explain the results. It categorizes patients based on risk factors, such as family history, intermediate risk, or uncertainty regarding heart attack risk.

How Does it Work?

The Printable Heart Calcium Test helps to document and manage information related to coronary calcium scans efficiently. Here are the essential steps for healthcare professionals:

Step 1: Patient Information and Indication

Start by completing the patient's details, including their name, date of birth, medical record number, and test date. Identify the referring physician. Specify the reason for the test based on the patient's medical history.

Step 2: Preparation and Procedure

Document the patient's preparation for the coronary calcium scan. Note whether the patient was advised to refrain from smoking or caffeine consumption before the test.

Step 3: Post-Procedure Instructions

Describe the post-scan procedure, detailing whether the patient was allowed to return to their normal activities. If specific post-procedure instructions or restrictions were given, include them in this section.

Step 4: Results and Interpretation

Report the Agatston Score obtained from the coronary calcium scan. Interpret the results concerning the presence of calcium in the heart arteries. Utilize appropriate interpretations, such as "No calcium detected," or specify the associated risk level or percentage score relative to age and sex.

Step 5: Follow-up Recommendations

List the recommended follow-up actions and interventions based on the test results.

When Would You Use This Test?

Utilizing the Heart Calcium Test resource is pivotal for healthcare practitioners facing specific clinical scenarios. Firstly, it proves invaluable when assessing patients with a strong family history of early coronary artery disease. In such cases, the resource provides a systematic approach to evaluate the presence of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries, offering insights into potential hereditary risk factors. 

Secondly, it comes into play when dealing with patients classified as having intermediate risk for heart attacks. The resource is a structured tool for healthcare professionals to assess and communicate the results effectively, aiding in risk stratification and appropriate preventive measures. 

Additionally, when faced with patients whose risk of heart attacks remains uncertain, this resource becomes instrumental in clarifying their risk status and guiding subsequent care decisions. Overall, the Heart Calcium Test resource is a valuable aid for practitioners in scenarios demanding precise risk assessment and management of heart health.

What do the Results Mean?

The results of the Heart Calcium Test, also known as the Free Heart Calcium Test, carry significant implications for assessing an individual's risk of heart disease. A score of zero, where no calcium is detected in the heart arteries, suggests a lower likelihood of experiencing a heart attack in the future. This result can be reassuring, indicating a lower risk profile.

Conversely, if calcium is present in the heart arteries, the interpretation becomes more nuanced. The higher the Agatston Score, the greater the risk of heart disease. For scores falling within the range of 100 to 300, there's an association with moderate plaque deposits, indicating a relatively high risk of experiencing a heart attack or other heart-related issues over the next 3 to 5 years. When the score surpasses 300, it indicates more extensive disease and a heightened risk of a heart attack.

Additionally, the test score can be presented as a percentage, reflecting the amount of calcium in the arteries compared to individuals of the same age and sex. Scores around 75% have been linked with a significantly higher risk of heart attacks. The results, in conjunction with other clinical information, guide healthcare professionals in tailoring preventive strategies and treatment plans for individuals, making the Free Heart Calcium Test a critical tool in assessing and managing heart health.

Research & Evidence

The Heart Calcium Test, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring, has evolved from its inception in the 1980s to become a powerful diagnostic tool for assessing cardiovascular risk. It gained widespread use with the development of electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) in the 1990s, a specialized form of CT imaging tailored for the heart. The American Heart Association (AHA) endorsed CAC scoring in 2003, with subsequent updates in 2010 and 2019, solidifying its role in cardiovascular risk assessment.

CAC scoring is a robust predictor of future cardiovascular events, assisting healthcare professionals in guiding preventive treatment decisions. However, it's primarily recommended for individuals with intermediate cardiovascular risk, defined by a 10-year risk of cardiovascular events between 7.5% and 20%, and those with specific medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

This non-invasive test is advantageous due to its quick administration and high accuracy in detecting coronary artery calcium. It provides crucial insights into a person's cardiovascular risk, making it an essential tool for managing heart health, particularly for those with intermediate risk.

References

Crouse, J. R., Agatston, A. S., Blaha, M. J., Budoff, M. J., Carr, J. J., Detrano, R. C., ... & Scollan, D. F. (2010). CAC scoring: guidelines and clinical practice recommendations from the Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 55(25), 2829-2842.

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Goff Jr, W. C., Lloyd-Jones, D. M., Greenland, P., Bazan, H. W., Blumenthal, R. S., Brown, A. J., ... & Yancy, C. W. (2013). ACC/AHA guideline on the assessment of cardiovascular risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation, 129(23), e254-e274.

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Yeung, K. Y., & Nasir, K. (2019). Coronary artery calcium scoring: a valuable tool for cardiovascular risk assessment and prevention. Nature Reviews Cardiology, 16(11), 693-704.