What is a Cardiac Calcium Score
What is a Cardiac Calcium Score
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It is a measurement of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits are an early sign of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to heart attacks. The test is performed using a specialized CT scan (called a coronary calcium scan) that detects the buildup of calcium in the heart’s arteries.
From a functional medicine perspective, a Cardiac Calcium Score (CCS) offers invaluable insight into heart health, complementing the holistic approach that emphasizes prevention and individualized care.
Root Cause Approach: CCS is a powerful tool for uncovering hidden coronary artery calcification, an early sign of inflammation and oxidative stress, which are key contributors to heart disease. Functional medicine focuses on addressing these root causes—like chronic inflammation, poor diet, and stress—that may accelerate arterial plaque formation.
Personalized Risk Assessment: Research shows that a CCS can provide highly personalized risk data. For example, a score over 100 correlates with a significantly higher risk of heart events, which functional medicine practitioners can use to tailor specific lifestyle changes, such as improving gut health, reducing inflammation, and optimizing nutrient intake (e.g., omega-3s, magnesium) to lower heart disease risk.
Proactive Prevention: Studies, like the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), confirm that early detection through CCS allows for proactive measures. Rather than waiting for symptoms, functional medicine emphasizes early intervention—dietary changes, stress reduction, and natural therapies—to mitigate risks associated with high scores.
Holistic Integration: Functional medicine views the heart as interconnected with other systems. A high CCS, beyond indicating arterial health, can be a sign of underlying metabolic dysfunction, like insulin resistance or chronic inflammation. By addressing these underlying imbalances with lifestyle and nutritional interventions, we can prevent further progression of coronary artery disease.
Functional medicine leverages CCS data to empower patients with actionable steps to improve cardiovascular health through diet, lifestyle, and stress management—preventing heart disease from its roots.
Who needs a cCS?
Who needs a cCS?
Individuals who might consider getting a CCS from a functional medicine perspective include:
Those with Multiple Cardiovascular Risk Factors:
Metabolic Syndrome or Insulin Resistance: Elevated blood sugar levels, abdominal obesity, and lipid imbalances can contribute to arterial plaque buildup.
Chronic Inflammation: Conditions like autoimmune disorders or chronic infections may increase arterial inflammation, accelerating calcification.
Elevated Lipoprotein Levels: High levels of lipoprotein(a) or small dense LDL particles, which are not always detected in standard lipid panels.
Family History of Early Heart Disease:
If close relatives experienced heart disease or sudden cardiac events at a young age, there may be genetic predispositions that warrant early screening.
Unexplained Symptoms:
Chest Discomfort or Shortness of Breath: Even if initial tests are normal, a CCS can reveal underlying calcification.
Fatigue or Decreased Exercise Tolerance: Subtle signs that might indicate early arterial changes.
Lifestyle and Environmental Exposures:
Chronic Stress: Prolonged stress can lead to hormonal imbalances affecting heart health.
Poor Diet: Diets high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats contribute to inflammation and plaque formation.
Toxin Exposure: Environmental toxins like heavy metals can contribute to oxidative stress and vascular damage.
Inflammatory Markers Present:
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), homocysteine, or other markers indicating systemic inflammation.
High Stress Levels or Sleep Disorders:
Conditions like sleep apnea or chronic insomnia can increase cardiovascular risk.
Previous Gestational Complications:
History of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or hypertension during pregnancy can increase long-term heart disease risk.
Individuals Seeking Comprehensive Risk Assessment:
Those who desire a thorough evaluation of their cardiovascular health to guide personalized prevention strategies.
Assessing Effectiveness of Interventions:
Individuals who have undertaken significant lifestyle changes or treatments may use CCS to monitor improvements in arterial health over time.
What comes next?
What comes next?
Customize Nutrition Plans
Customize Nutrition Plans
Emphasize anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy foods rich in antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Address Deficiencies
Address Deficiencies
Correct deficiencies such as Vitamin D, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for cardiovascular health.
Implement stress reduction
Implement stress reduction
Incoporate stress reduction practices such as mindfulness, prayer, and meditation.
At WRMC we encourage annual monitoring of the CAC score to watch for less than 14% growth year over year. Scans recommended for women starting at age 50 and men at age 40.
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