Determine Your Heart Disease Risk in Eight Seconds

by Sunil K. Ram, M.D.

Heart disease-it's the No. 1 killer of women in the United States. It will take the lives of six times more American women this year than breast cancer. In fact, nearly every minute, a woman dies from heart disease.

Coronary Artery Disease, often referred to as CAD, is the leading cause of death and permanent disability in the U.S. More than 16 million Americans are living with CAD today, and far too many don't know it. It occurs when the coronary arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or "hardened." This narrowing is caused by a build-up of plaque in the arteries, which if severe enough, can restrict blood flow to the heart and deprive the heart of oxygen, potentially causing life-threatening heart attacks.

CAD is a silent killer. What makes it so deadly is that too often, the first symptom for a woman is her last-a heart attack. During February, heart disease awareness month, every woman should take a little time to learn some important, live-saving facts and assess her own risk.

CORONARY ARTERY CALCIUM SCORING

Understanding your risk of heart disease is simple. With the help of your physician, you can determine what risk factors you might have through a quick, non-invasive, test called Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring.

A study published in a 2008 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine shows that Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring is a predictable indicator of whether there is evidence of coronary artery disease. Additionally, the American Heart Association states that Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring can be helpful for those who fall into the intermediate risk of heart attack category, based on certain risk factors.

The test uses Computed Tomography (CT, sometimes called CAT scan) to measure the amount of atherosclerotic "plaque" in the arteries. The actual CT exam only takes eight seconds, then the computer processes the score and a complete report is provided to a patient's doctor, typically within 24 hours. Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring helps patients and their physicians detect heart disease at an early stage. Using the score you receive from the test, your doctors can determine next steps for your treatment.

Scores range from zero to 1,000-plus. If a patient's score is zero, he or she is unlikely to have a coronary event any time soon. If the score is over 400, the patient is at high risk for a heart attack. Someone who racks up a score of more than a 1,000 is 10 times more likely to have a heart attack than someone with a score of zero. With that knowledge, a patient can work with his or her physician on a plan to reduce their risk of heart disease.

Patients who don't have symptoms but are at risk for coronary artery disease are ideal candidates for a calcium score. This includes people who are overweight, have a family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure and/or live a sedentary life style.

In addition to getting screened for heart disease, it's important to adjust your lifestyle. Certain factors, such as age and heredity, cannot be changed; however, you do have control over other risk factors such as stress and diet. In order to decrease your chances of heart disease, you should live an active lifestyle and eat healthy-cut back on fats, add more fruits and vegetables and foods low in cholesterol. Doing so will help you maintain a healthy weight and strong heart. It's important to avoid the use of tobacco products and limit your consumption of alcohol. You should also be sure to get regular health check-ups and screenings.

Even if you are considered low-risk for heart disease, it doesn't mean you're in the clear. Many people with even one risk factor, such as high blood pressure or cholesterol, can experience heart disease later in life if their condition is left undetected.

So this month, take charge of your health and determine your coronary artery disease risk. Remember, early detection is the best protection-don't be one of the millions of women annually who find out too late.

Sunil K. Ram, M.D. is a Cardiac Radiologist at Scottsdale Medical Imaging, Ltd.