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What Does My Coronary Calcium Test Report Indicate?
Question: Hi. My husband got the coronary calcium test done and it was 96% on the left descending and all the rest were 0. The score was 126. What will the doctor do to help him and is he at risk of having a heart attack right away.
Brief Answer:
There is moderate risk to heart disease at present that needs treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Your husband has got a cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium scoring. This tells the amount of calcium deposits and atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels on the heart and future risk of heart disease.
2. The score is determined by the CT value of calcification multiplied by the area of calcification in sq mm. This is a technical parameter and might be difficult for you to understand.
3. The score is interpreted as follows
no evidence of coronary artery disease: 0 calcium score
minimal: 1-10
mild: 11-100
moderate: 101-400
severe: >400
As your husband has a calcium score of 126 therefore he comes in the moderate risk group.
4. It is also mentioned that the left descending coronary artery has a high calcium deposition at 96. This means there might be significant block in this artery. It is one of the most important arteries in the heart and this must be treated after further investigations. Depending on variable factors, doctors might suggest a coronary bypass surgery or coronary stenting to clear the block and restore blood flow in the left anterior descending artery. This will prevent heart attacks in future.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
There is moderate risk to heart disease at present that needs treatment
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Your husband has got a cardiac CT scan for coronary calcium scoring. This tells the amount of calcium deposits and atherosclerotic changes in the blood vessels on the heart and future risk of heart disease.
2. The score is determined by the CT value of calcification multiplied by the area of calcification in sq mm. This is a technical parameter and might be difficult for you to understand.
3. The score is interpreted as follows
no evidence of coronary artery disease: 0 calcium score
minimal: 1-10
mild: 11-100
moderate: 101-400
severe: >400
As your husband has a calcium score of 126 therefore he comes in the moderate risk group.
4. It is also mentioned that the left descending coronary artery has a high calcium deposition at 96. This means there might be significant block in this artery. It is one of the most important arteries in the heart and this must be treated after further investigations. Depending on variable factors, doctors might suggest a coronary bypass surgery or coronary stenting to clear the block and restore blood flow in the left anterior descending artery. This will prevent heart attacks in future.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Does this mean he will definitely have a heart attack. The doctorate to do a stress test. Can this be treated with medication?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Your husband is having a higher risk of heart attack in the future. In people with a calcium score of 126, the risk of having a heart attack is moderate.
2. The chance of a heart attack with calcium score 126 as per some researches is around 25–51% in 10 years and might even be higher.
3. Stress test will tell the present functioning and the probability of a cardiac ischemic event and this is done in most patients.
4. Medications are always the first choice in treating early or minor disease. Your husband also has high cholesterol and blood pressure might be on medications. Sometimes medications might not give the desired results and then a surgical treatment is suggested.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. Your husband is having a higher risk of heart attack in the future. In people with a calcium score of 126, the risk of having a heart attack is moderate.
2. The chance of a heart attack with calcium score 126 as per some researches is around 25–51% in 10 years and might even be higher.
3. Stress test will tell the present functioning and the probability of a cardiac ischemic event and this is done in most patients.
4. Medications are always the first choice in treating early or minor disease. Your husband also has high cholesterol and blood pressure might be on medications. Sometimes medications might not give the desired results and then a surgical treatment is suggested.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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