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Ask the physician – “calcium in heart”
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Q. I just lately received a coronary artery calcium scan and the outcomes confirmed that I’ve fairly a little bit of calcium in my coronary heart arteries (my rating was 900). Ought to I’ve an angiogram to verify the outcomes? I haven’t got any heart-related signs, however I am anxious about having a coronary heart assault.
A. That may be a very excessive coronary artery calcium rating. However the brief reply to your query is not any. The principle motive to have an angiogram is to find a narrowed coronary heart artery that’s inflicting chest ache or different signs. For the check, a heart specialist injects a dye that’s seen on x-rays into the blood vessels of your coronary heart, then takes a collection of x-ray photos. That is accomplished in preparation for angioplasty, by which a narrowed artery is opened, or as a prelude to referral for coronary artery bypass surgical procedure.
However in case you are in any other case wholesome and never having any signs, on the whole, you shouldn’t have an angioplasty or bypass surgical procedure. So there isn’t any level in having an angiogram, particularly because it exposes you to a small quantity of radiation and might trigger issues, reminiscent of an allergic response to the dye, bleeding, or perhaps a coronary heart assault or stroke (though these occasions are extraordinarily uncommon).
Nevertheless, your excessive calcium rating does strongly recommend you’ve gotten coronary artery illness. Calcium is concerned within the buildup of fatty plaque inside arteries, which develops in response to break brought on by excessive LDL (unhealthy) ldl cholesterol and different components within the blood. Moderately than looking for out further testing, you need to as an alternative deal with decreasing your threat components for coronary artery illness — particularly your LDL ldl cholesterol stage. The precise goal relies upon partially on some other threat components you’ve gotten.
For you, relying in your ldl cholesterol stage, that may imply taking a statin drug, reminiscent of atorvastatin (Lipitor) or rosuvastatin (Crestor). It’s best to positively observe a nutritious diet, which implies loads of greens, fruits, and complete grains. Attempt to keep away from meals excessive in saturated fat (particularly crimson meat), which could be unhealthy for the center in some ways. And if it’s essential drop some pounds, take into account consulting a dietitian or nutritionist who can assist you devise a protected, efficient solution to shed any additional kilos.
Your blood strain ought to ideally be 120/80 mm Hg or decrease. Once more, weight-reduction plan modifications could assist; attempt to eat much less salt by steering away from processed meals. However when you’ve got hypertension, chances are you’ll want a number of medicines to convey it all the way down to an optimum vary.
For those who do develop worrisome signs sooner or later, reminiscent of ache, strain, or a squeezing sensation in your chest, name 911 instantly in the event that they persist for greater than only a few minutes. If the signs solely happen with exertion, ask your physician about getting a stress check. It may possibly reveal irregular modifications in your coronary heart’s rhythm or electrical exercise, in addition to compromised blood move to the center.
— by Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., M.P.H.Editor in Chief, Harvard Coronary heart Letter
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Well being Publishing offers entry to our library of archived content material. Please be aware the date of final evaluate or replace on all articles. No content material on this web site, no matter date, ought to ever be used as an alternative choice to direct medical recommendation out of your physician or different certified clinician.