The post discusses the importance of a relatively inexpensive test for assessing the risk of heart attacks. It explains that the test, which examines calcium buildup in the coronary arteries, can provide valuable insights into an individual’s risk of heart attack over the next decade.
The scoring system categorizes the risk as none, minimal, mild, moderate, or extensive based on the amount of calcium detected. The post emphasizes that even those without symptoms can benefit from the test, as it can uncover hidden risks.
It also highlights the scientific basis behind the test, explaining how cholesterol accumulation and plaque formation contribute to heart disease. Additionally, it mentions alternative tests such as ultrasound for detecting soft plaque in other arteries.
Despite its importance, the post notes that the test is not widely promoted in government healthcare setups and urges individuals to prioritize their health by considering undergoing the test. Finally, it ends with a prayer for the well-being of the readers and their families.
In this post, we will discuss an extremely important but not very expensive test about the risk of heart attacks. After doing this test, you can find out in the next 10 years whether you or your loved one who undergoes this test has a high, moderate, or low risk of heart attack, or no risk at all.
In the first part, I will tell you all about the test, and in the second part, I’ll delve into some science. Now, this test is performed in any hospital where there is a CT Scan machine. No injection is given; instead, a dye is administered, which we call contrast, which is not necessary for everyone.
This test, which is performed with the help of CT Scan, examines the calcium inside your blood vessels, which supply blood to the heart, known as coronary arteries.
It reveals the extent of calcium buildup, which leads to clot formation. The scoring determines whether your risk of a heart attack in the next 10 years is equivalent to none, minimal, mild, moderate, or extensive.
If your score is 0, your risk is equivalent to that of the general population. Scores ranging from 0 to 10 indicate minimal risk. Mild risk is considered for scores ranging from 11 to 99, indicating a slight deviation towards potential problems.
For scores ranging from 100 to 399, indicating moderate risk, there’s a notable progression towards complications. Scores exceeding 400 indicate extensive risk, requiring significant intervention and medication to mitigate.
Many people nowadays question who should undergo this test. They argue that someone they know had no symptoms and was not very old, yet suddenly suffered a heart attack. We often hear such stories in our communities.
This calcium scoring system, especially, can assist those individuals who may not exhibit symptoms but harbor concerns about potential blockages in their coronary arteries.
The clotting that occurs is termed atherosclerosis, a topic I’ll discuss briefly later. However, there’s another widely known test called CT angiography, which is invasive and carries the risk of kidney damage for some. Additionally, many people are allergic to the contrast dye used in such procedures.
Unlike CT angiography, the calcium scoring test involves minimal radiation exposure and does not necessitate contrast administration.
The primary advantage lies in identifying individuals who may not have symptoms but are concerned about the health of their heart. This allows them to gain insights into their cardiovascular health and take appropriate measures if necessary.
Now, let’s understand the science behind it. Our bodies naturally accumulate cholesterol in our blood vessels with age, typically starting around 10 to 15 years old.
Initially, this accumulation is considered benign. However, as it progresses, it can lead to atherosclerosis, characterized by the formation of fatty deposits within the arterial walls.
This deposition eventually progresses to calcification, which can be detected using the CT scoring system. For instance, if someone in their 50s or 60s undergoes this test and receives a negative result, indicating no calcium buildup, their risk of a heart attack in the next 10 to 15 years is significantly reduced.
However, for younger individuals, if soft plaque has already formed by their 30s or 40s, which does not yet contain calcium, it may not be detected by this test. In such cases, alternative methods such as ultrasound can be used to identify soft plaque in other arteries of the body.
Additionally, for those concerned about their risk, other tests such as ultrasound of leg vessels or carotid arteries can provide valuable information. Ophthalmoscopy, which examines blood vessels in the eyes, can also offer insights into cardiovascular health.
Also Read: How can i Check My Heart is Healthy? Easy self-test at Home
Ultimately, this test serves as a valuable tool in assessing one’s risk of a heart attack. It is affordable, minimally invasive, and provides crucial information for individuals and their families to proactively manage their cardiovascular health.
Unfortunately, this test is not widely promoted in government setups, and many private facilities opt for more expensive procedures due to financial incentives.
However, it’s essential to prioritize your health and consider undergoing this test for yourself and your family’s well-being.
Conclusion:
The conclusion drawn from the discussion is that the calcium scoring test is a valuable tool for assessing the risk of heart attacks, even in individuals without symptoms. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to manage cardiovascular health, especially considering the minimal invasiveness and affordability of the test compared to other procedures.
The post highlights the need for wider promotion and accessibility of the test in healthcare systems. Ultimately, it encourages readers to prioritize their health and undergo the test for themselves and their families’ well-being.
May Allah keep you and your family safe from all harm and illnesses.