In a significant advancement for preventive cardiology, researchers have highlighted a powerful new way to detect heart attack risk in its earliest stages—long before symptoms appear. A simple, non-invasive scan known as a CT calcium score test is gaining global recognition for its ability to spot early signs of coronary artery disease, the leading cause of heart attacks.
As heart disease becomes increasingly common among young adults, early detection is being hailed as a game-changer. In India alone, around 40% of heart attacks occur in individuals below the age of 40, according to alarming new statistics. With over 200 people reportedly succumbing to cardiovascular issues every hour, timely risk assessment is now a critical public health priority.
Why Heart Attacks Are No Longer Just an ‘Old Age’ Issue
Heart disease was once largely seen as a condition affecting the elderly. But sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, high stress levels, and genetic predispositions have shifted the demographics. Experts are seeing a steep rise in cardiovascular incidents among people in their 30s—and even late 20s.
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What’s more worrying is that many of these cases present without traditional warning signs. This makes routine screenings and preventive testing all the more vital. The new calcium score test fits perfectly into this strategy.
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What Is a CT Calcium Score Test?
The coronary calcium score test is a type of computerised tomography (CT) scan that measures the amount of calcified plaque in the coronary arteries. These calcium deposits are early indicators of atherosclerosis—a condition where the arteries become clogged and narrow due to plaque buildup.
A calcium score of zero generally indicates a low risk of heart attack in the near future. But any score above zero reveals the presence of plaque and increases the likelihood of heart disease. Scores can range from 1 to over 1,000, with higher values signifying more extensive disease and a higher risk of cardiac events.
Who Should Consider This Test?
Doctors recommend calcium score testing for individuals between the ages of 40 and 70 who have an intermediate or borderline risk for heart disease but do not yet display symptoms. It is especially beneficial for those with a family history of heart disease, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, or lifestyle factors such as smoking or lack of exercise.
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Repeating the test every three to five years may also help track whether the condition is progressing, particularly if the first scan showed a zero score. However, experts warn that this test may not be useful for those who already have a confirmed diagnosis of coronary artery disease or have undergone treatment for it.
How the Test Works
The calcium score test is quick, painless, and typically completed within 10 to 15 minutes. Here’s what patients can expect:
- Preparation: Refrain from eating, drinking, or using tobacco products for at least four hours before the scan.
- During the test: Patients lie on a table that slides into a circular CT scanner. Electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor the heart’s activity during imaging.
- After the test: The scan results provide a numerical calcium score and an interpretation of the level of heart disease risk.
Since the scan does not involve inserting any instruments or needles into the body, it is completely non-invasive and requires no recovery time.
Bottomline
In a healthcare landscape where heart attacks often come without warning, the CT calcium score test offers a crucial opportunity for early intervention. By identifying plaque buildup before symptoms appear, individuals can work with their doctors to adopt lifestyle changes, start medications if necessary, and prevent life-threatening cardiac events.
As cardiovascular diseases continue to be the leading cause of death globally, tools like this non-invasive scan are not just medical innovations—they’re lifesavers.