A bad cardiac score, specifically referring to a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score, indicates the presence and extent of calcified plaque in your heart's arteries, which is a sign of coronary artery disease.
What is a Bad Cardiac Score?
A bad cardiac score typically signifies a higher risk of future heart problems, including heart attacks. This score is determined through a non-invasive imaging test called a coronary calcium scan, which measures the amount of calcium in your coronary arteries. Calcium deposits are a marker for plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).
Here's how different scores are generally interpreted:
| CAC Score Range | Interpretation | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No identifiable plaque; very low risk of heart attack over the next 3 to 5 years. | Very Low |
| 1-99 | Minimal plaque deposits. | Low to Intermediate |
| 100-300 | Moderate plaque deposits. Associated with a relatively high risk of a heart attack or other heart disease over the next 3 to 5 years. | Moderate to High |
| >300 | Extensive disease and a higher heart attack risk. | High to Very High |
Understanding Your Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score
Your CAC score provides crucial information about your heart health beyond traditional risk factors like cholesterol levels or blood pressure. It acts as a direct measure of atherosclerosis, often revealing disease before symptoms appear.
Key takeaways for interpreting a "bad" score:
- Scores from 100 to 300: These indicate moderate plaque deposits. This range is linked to a relatively high risk of experiencing a heart attack or other significant heart disease within the next 3 to 5 years. Such a score suggests that while plaque is present, it might not be extensive enough to cause immediate symptoms but warrants attention.
- Scores greater than 300: This is considered a sign of more extensive disease and points to a significantly higher heart attack risk. A score in this range means there's a considerable amount of calcified plaque, indicating advanced atherosclerosis.
What to Do If You Have a Bad Score
If your coronary calcium score falls into the "bad" categories (100 or higher), it's a strong indicator to discuss next steps with your healthcare provider. This may involve:
- Lifestyle Modifications:
- Adopting a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Engaging in regular physical activity (e.g., 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week).
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Quitting smoking.
- Managing stress.
- Medication Management: Your doctor might recommend medications to manage associated risk factors, such as:
- Statins to lower cholesterol.
- Medications to control high blood pressure or diabetes.
- Low-dose aspirin, if appropriate, to reduce the risk of blood clots.
- Further Evaluation: Depending on your overall health and other risk factors, your doctor might suggest additional diagnostic tests or specialist consultations (e.g., with a cardiologist).
Understanding your cardiac score empowers you and your doctor to develop a personalized strategy to mitigate risks and improve your cardiovascular health.
For more information on heart health and coronary artery calcium scans, you can consult reliable resources like the Mayo Clinic.
