CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Calcium buildup in heart arteries may raise heart attack risk
New Delhi. Calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart are not considered merely a normal effect of ageing. They may indicate plaque formation in the arteries, and when calcium levels are high, the future risk of heart disease and heart attack may also increase. Doctors can assess this through coronary artery calcium, or CAC, testing.
A calcium score test is carried out using a special computed tomography scan. It measures the amount of calcium deposited in the arteries of the heart. According to the American Heart Association, a higher CAC score is generally linked to a greater future risk of heart disease. The test can help guide treatment decisions in people whose risk of heart disease is not clear.
What can be done for prevention? Keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control, avoiding smoking, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet are important. The 2026 American Heart Association guidelines also emphasise reducing harmful cholesterol and improving lifestyle.
According to experts, CAC testing is not necessary for everyone. Doctors may consider the test for people whose risk of heart disease is borderline or moderate and where treatment decisions are not clear. Any decision on testing or medication should take into account factors such as a person’s age, blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, smoking and family history.
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