Screening for Coronary Artery Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, and coronary artery disease (CAD) is one of the most common conditions that can lead to serious complications like heart attacks. The good news? CAD develops slowly over time, and with early detection, you can take steps to reduce your risk and protect your heart health.
How Does Coronary Artery Disease Develop?
Coronary artery disease occurs when plaque builds up inside the arteries that supply blood to your heart. This buildup is driven by two key factors:
High LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels – Excess cholesterol can stick to the walls of your arteries, forming plaque.
High inflammation levels – Inflammation makes arteries more "sticky," allowing cholesterol to build up even faster.
Because CAD takes years—sometimes decades—to develop, early screening is essential for prevention.
What Tests Can Help Identify Risk?
1. LDL Cholesterol & High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
I recommend checking LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP levels starting at age 30. Why? Because plaque buildup isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s about inflammation too. If both your LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP are high, it’s a sign that you may be at increased risk for plaque formation.
2. Coronary Calcium Score
If your cholesterol and inflammation levels are concerning, the next step is a coronary calcium score. This is a specialized CT scan of the heart that measures the amount of calcified plaque in your arteries. It helps categorize your risk:
Score of 0: No detectable plaque—great news!
Minimal plaque: Low risk but should still focus on prevention.
Moderate to high plaque: Higher risk, requiring aggressive cholesterol and inflammation management.
A coronary calcium score is generally recommended for high-risk individuals over 40 and can be repeated every five years to track changes.
3. Stress Test (When Needed)
It’s important to note that a coronary calcium score is not recommended if you already have diagnosed CAD or symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath. In these cases, a stress test (which evaluates how your heart functions under exertion) is the preferred next step.
Taking Control of Your Heart Health
Screening for CAD isn’t about waiting for problems to arise—it’s about identifying risks early and making proactive changes. If your tests indicate an increased risk, lifestyle modifications (such as improving your diet, managing stress, and exercising regularly) combined with targeted medical therapies can help protect your heart for years to come.
If you're unsure about your heart health or whether you should be screened, I encourage you to reach out. Taking a simple blood test today could make a big difference in your future.
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