Health
Do You Know Your CAC Score? Here’s Why You Should
Here’s why men need to do a CAC test.
More South Africans die of CVD (Cardiovascular Disease) than of all the cancers combined, says the Heart and Stroke Foundation. In fact, it accounts for one in every six deaths nationally.
It sounds grim, and it is. The good news is that a simple, non-invasive test can help prevent heart disease.
The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan is a CT scan of the heart that measures calcium build-up in the arteries, and it’s arguably one of the most important things to keep track of, given that your life could be at risk.
Why care about calcium?
“Your coronary arteries supply oxygen-rich blood to your heart. As we age, especially if any risk factors are present, fatty deposits which then accumulate calcium (essentially what makes up bone) can cause these arteries to narrow, reducing blood flow to the heart. Depending on the severity of the buildup, this can lead to heart attacks”, explains Dr. Gavin Jackson from Morton & Partners Radiologists at Riverlands Mall in Observatory, Cape Town.
A simple CT scan can help you assess the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries, which helps with giving you an idea of the risk you have for having a heart attack.
Who should get a CAC test?
“If you’re between the ages of 40 and 70 and are at risk of CVD but don’t have symptoms, you should consider talking to your doctor about getting a CAC score test done,” says Dr. Jackson. CAC scores are a great way to assess an individual’s risk of coronary heart disease.
If you have any of these medical issues, or a family history of heart disease, a CAC test is a great option for you:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Smoking
- High cholesterol
- Family history of heart attacks
- High blood pressure
Dr Jackson mentions that the test is especially advisable for people with a clinically intermediate risk of cardiovascular disease, but no symptoms, as early detection has the best outcome. “Once you have calcium deposits in your arteries, they are there for life. What we can do from a medical standpoint is to catch the buildup early so that we can slow down its development, thereby preventing the disease’s progress”.
What do the results mean?
0 – This is excellent news. It means that there is no sign of calcium in your heart, and you have a very low risk of having a heart attack in the future.
100 – 300 – You have a moderate amount of calcium deposits which means you have a moderate to high risk of a heart attack in the next five years.
>300 – Is a sign of extensive coronary disease and a higher risk of heart attacks.
“Should your CAC score reveal a moderate to high risk of heart disease, your doctor will likely undertake more tests and advise you on medications and lifestyle changes that can help improve your cardiovascular risk. A CAC scan in and of itself is not definitive – but it does act as the canary in the proverbial coalmine, letting your doctors know further tests and interventions are necessary”, explains Dr. Jackson.
Where can you test?
Radiologists are able to perform a CAC scan — your doctor can refer you to one near you. You will need a doctor’s referral, so start there.
What we love about CAC testing
- It’s quick – 10 to 15 minutes
- It’s non-invasive
- It gives you your risk profile
- Allows you to make better decisions about your health
- Several medical aids cover it
You can find Morton & Partners Radiologists at Riverlands Mall, Building 5, 51 Gogosoa St, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925. You can follow Morton & Partners on Facebook and Instagram for more information.
