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Minimal Calcified Coronary Atherosclerosis (CAC score 1-10)Our Cardiology Panel Report for Patients and Physicians
Electron Beam (Ultrafast) CT examination of the entire coronary system detected minimal calcified plaque "burden" at this time.
A score indicating minimal calcified plaque is very reassuring, especially if it is an amount typical or less than average for age or sex. Although it is probable for other non-calcified plaque to be present, it is very unlikely that" significant" fixed obstructive coronary disease is present. The overall risk of cardiovascular events in the foreseeable future is considered very low.
In most situations, continuing to follow general public health guidelines for coronary prevention (a "heart-healthy lifestyle") forms the mainstay of recommendations. Adequate exercise, avoidance of tobacco, and favorable diet should be continued. There is some evidence that aspirin and some antioxidant vitamins are beneficial. We believe the low risk (LR) formulation of antioxidants made by Premiere Micronutrients Corp. is beneficial (please contact our staff).
If there is an elevation of cholesterol level as a risk factor, your physician is best able to decide whether dietary management or medications are appropriate. That often involves a review of cardiac risk factors and recent cholesterol measurement to determine if criteria for the use of cholesterol lowering medications have been met according to national guidelines (NCEP) for primary coronary prevention. As adjunct therapy, we believe bioslife 2, a fiber drink is beneficial to lower the cholesterol safely (www.Rexall.com/Coloradoheart).
In some younger men (below age 45) and middle aged females (below age 55), a minimal amount of plaque (for example, a CAC score of 9) may still be higher than 75% of age and sex matched peers. (This will often be mentioned on the radiology report or derived from charts). In those circumstances, the process of atherosclerosis (although not advanced) is developing earlier or faster than is typical and may need attention. Your physician may decide to consider further risk factor evaluation (e.g., sophisticated lipoprotein blood analysis) to help explain the findings. In addition, if appropriate, counseling and additional risk factor modification may be considered by your physician. Again, standard national guidelines for cholesterol management will usually govern any decision for lipid-lowering medications. Keep in mind that minimal calcification implies an overall good prognosis since the risk for future coronary events is low.
Always remember that any chest or cardiorespiratory systems (including chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, etc.) may be serious and deserve clinical evaluation by a physician, regardless of EBCT scores.
Colorado Heart & Body Imaging is a coronary artery disease risk assessment testing facility only and cannot substitute for a careful examination by a physician. All recommendations from our center are suggestions based solely upon information supplied by the conventional risk factor questionnaire and by EBCT scan results. The patient's own physician is best able to make definitive therapeutic decisions based upon careful history, physical, this report and other testing, if necessary.
