Determination of calcium in the coronary arteries - a predictor of a heart attack!
Determination of the conditional amount of calcium in the coronary arteries of the heart, according to experts of leading medical organizations, allows you to clarify the degree of risk of acute heart attack in a particular patient. This study is carried out with the help of computer tomography, does not take much time and does not require special preparation.
Where does calcium in the arteries of the heart come from?
Atherosclerosis is a recognized leading cause of the development of severe diseases and dysfunctions of the cardiovascular system, in particular ischemic heart disease and its acute manifestations in the form of angina pectoris and myocardial infarction. For many years, studies on the composition, density and “behavior” of atherosclerotic plaque have been and are being conducted in order to find the most optimal ways to treat and stabilize this condition. It is now known that the composition of the plaque is formed by cholesterol esters, various fractions of lipids, blood formed elements, inflammatory factors and trace elements, among which calcium is the leader. In many respects, it is due to the presence of calcium that the plaque acquires a density many times higher than that of the vascular wall!
Calcium in the arteries of the heart: how to “see” it?
Computed tomography allows you to clearly visualize calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart, determine the degree of compaction of the vessel and calculate the total area of the lesion. Based on the data obtained, using calculated formulas, a coefficient is derived that allows the patient to be assigned to one or another risk group.
Calcium in the arteries of the heart: how is the study conducted?
The study does not require special preparation and anesthesia, is carried out in a horizontal position and takes from 30 seconds to several minutes. During the study you will need to hold your breath for 5-10 seconds, about which you will be warned by the laboratory technician.
In order to avoid artifacts, it is not recommended to apply mineral-enriched creams/gels/powder to the breast skin before the examination. Clothing with metallized fittings and inscriptions should be removed immediately before the CT scan.
Calcium in the arteries: to whom is the study recommended?
As a rule, patients suffering from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system are aware of their problems. This study will be much more informative for patients who currently have no pronounced symptoms, but are at risk for high body weight, endocrine disorders, bad habits (smoking), as well as have close relatives who have suffered a myocardial infarction.
Determination of coronary calcium will allow you to start therapy in time and avoid the so-called “mute” attacks, which develop almost against the background of complete well-being.
