Millions of individuals worldwide are afflicted by heart disease, which is a serious health concern. With more than 18,000 fatalities every year, heart disease is the main cause of mortality in Australia. Many people in South Yarra are at risk of acquiring heart disease due to a variety of variables, such as age, family history, and way of life decisions. Calcium scoring, fortunately, is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that can identify the risk of developing heart disease.
A test called calcium scoring counts the quantity of calcified plaque in the heart’s arteries. Plaque, a compound composed of cholesterol, calcium, and other substances, can accumulate inside the artery walls, narrowing and weakening them. Atherosclerosis is the term for this process, which can cause significant health issues like heart attacks and strokes.
Calcium scoring creates images of the heart and finds calcium plaque using a specialized CT scan. The patient is placed on a table that slides into the CT scanner while the exam is being performed. A computer program analyses the photos that the equipment captures of the heart from various angles in order to quantify the quantity of calcified plaque that is there.
Based on the amount of calcified plaque found, the calcium scoring test findings are reported as a score. A score of zero indicates the absence of any detectable plaque, whereas higher values show the presence of more plaque and a higher risk of developing heart disease. A doctor or cardiologist can arrange calcium scoring in South Yarra, which is offered at a number of hospitals and medical facilities.
One of calcium scoring’s main advantages is its ability to identify heart disease risk before symptoms appear. This is significant because cardiac disease sometimes exhibits no symptoms until it is advanced, making it challenging to diagnose and treat. Doctors can use calcium scoring to identify people who have a high risk of developing heart disease and suggest dietary modifications, medication, or other therapies to lower that risk.
Calcium scoring is a non-invasive, rapid test that takes only 10 to 15 minutes to do. It is therefore a practical choice for those who are at risk of developing heart disease or who have a family history of the disease. Additionally, there is no significant danger associated with calcium scoring from radiation exposure.
Although calcium scoring is a useful tool for identifying heart disease risk, not everyone should use it. Other tests or procedures could be necessary to diagnose people with heart disease who have already received a diagnosis or who are exhibiting symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. Furthermore, calcium scoring is not advised for people who have had cardiac surgery, stents, or bypass grafts because these treatments can affect the test’s accuracy.
Calcium scoring is a useful diagnostic method for identifying heart disease risk in South Yarra, in conclusion. This non-invasive test is rapid, safe, and can identify heart disease’s early warning signs before symptoms appear. Doctors can provide early interventions and treatments that can improve health outcomes and prevent significant problems by identifying people who are at high risk of heart disease. Ask your doctor or cardiologist whether calcium scoring is appropriate for you if you are worried about your risk of developing heart disease.
