Severe coronary artery calcium (CAC) refers to a high amount of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. These deposits can harden and narrow the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow to the heart. This can lead to a number of serious health problems, including heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.
What does severe CAC mean?
The severity of CAC is measured using a score, which is based on the amount of calcium found in the coronary arteries. A high score indicates a greater risk of heart disease.
- Severe CAC is typically defined as a score of 400 or higher.
- Scores below 10 are considered low risk.
- Scores between 10 and 100 are considered intermediate risk.
- Scores above 100 are considered high risk.
What causes severe CAC?
Severe CAC is often caused by a combination of factors, including:
- High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can eventually harden and calcify.
- High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the arteries and make them more prone to calcification.
- Diabetes: Diabetes can damage the blood vessels, including the coronary arteries, and increase the risk of calcification.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the lining of the arteries and increases the risk of plaque buildup and calcification.
- Family history of heart disease: People with a family history of heart disease are at increased risk of developing severe CAC.
What are the symptoms of severe CAC?
Severe CAC often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the calcium deposits build up and narrow the arteries, people may experience symptoms such as:
- Chest pain: This is the most common symptom of severe CAC. It may occur during exercise or at rest.
- Shortness of breath: Severe CAC can make it difficult for the heart to pump blood efficiently, which can lead to shortness of breath.
- Fatigue: Severe CAC can make you feel tired and weak.
- Dizziness: Severe CAC can cause dizziness, especially during exercise.
- Swelling in the legs or ankles: Severe CAC can lead to fluid buildup in the legs and ankles.
What can be done about severe CAC?
If you have been diagnosed with severe CAC, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk of heart disease. Your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, such as:
- Quitting smoking: Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease.
- Eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet can help lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
- Getting regular exercise: Exercise can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of heart disease.
- Managing diabetes: If you have diabetes, it is important to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Taking medication: Your doctor may prescribe medication to lower cholesterol, blood pressure, or blood sugar.
Conclusion
Severe CAC is a serious condition that can increase your risk of heart disease. If you have been diagnosed with severe CAC, it is important to talk to your doctor about ways to reduce your risk.
