Do I Really Need a Heart Scan for Healthy Aging?

November 26, 2024

Maintaining optimal heart health is critical as we age. Many individuals focus on diet, exercise, and supplements to keep their hearts strong, but how can you truly gauge your heart’s health? A heart scan may be the answer. This noninvasive diagnostic tool provides valuable insight into your cardiovascular health, empowering you to make informed decisions for healthy aging. 

This blog explores the importance of heart scans, debunks common myths, and discusses how they fit into a proactive wellness plan. 

What Is a Heart Scan?

A heart scan, also known as a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, uses advanced imaging to measure calcium deposits in your coronary arteries. These deposits indicate plaque buildup, which increases your risk of heart disease and potential heart attacks. The results from this scan give you a coronary artery calcium score, helping you and your physician assess your current cardiovascular health.

Unlike traditional tests such as blood pressure monitoring or cholesterol checks, heart scans directly visualize calcified plaques, making them one of the most accurate ways to determine cardiovascular risk. Research shows that heart scans significantly outperform other diagnostic methods for predicting heart disease risk in otherwise asymptomatic individuals.¹

Why Are Heart Scans Important for Aging Adults?

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States.² While some may think they are immune to heart problems due to a healthy lifestyle, underlying risks often remain undetected without proper screening. Heart scans address this gap, providing clear evidence of early plaque buildup.

We recommend every guest aged 40 or older undergo a heart scan. Both men and women are at risk of heart attacks as they age, and early detection could save lives. If you already lead a healthy lifestyle, a heart scan confirms that your efforts are paying off. For those with higher risk scores, the results help you target areas for improvement in your diet, exercise, and supplement routine.

What Will My Heart Scan Results Give Me?

Your heart scan results provide a detailed picture of your coronary health, represented by a CAC score. Here’s how to interpret these scores: 

• CAC Score of 0: This indicates no detectable calcium in your coronary arteries, reflecting a low risk of heart attack. Repeating the scan in five years may suffice if no risk factors arise.  
• CAC Score Between 1-99: Minimal plaque is present. While immediate intervention may not be necessary, this score suggests a need to optimize your heart health program.  
• CAC Score of 100 or Higher: This high score warrants further evaluation and potentially intensive strategies to manage cardiovascular risk.

Heart scans are not just diagnostic tools; they are gateways to a comprehensive heart health strategy. With your results in hand, you can work with our team of wellness consultants to develop a tailored plan. This plan might include: 

• Nutritional Support: Adjusting your diet to include more heart-friendly foods like omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants.  
• Exercise Programs: Incorporating regular physical activity that aligns with your fitness level and health goals.  
• Supplements: Adding targeted supplements such as magnesium, vitamin K2, and coenzyme Q10 to support cardiovascular health.  
• Advanced Therapies: Exploring additional options like hormone optimization, IV therapy, or detoxification to reduce systemic inflammation and improve vascular health.

Debunking Myths About Heart Scans

Understanding the facts about heart scans is essential for making informed decisions about your health. Unfortunately, misconceptions about these scans—ranging from concerns about radiation to their perceived necessity—often deter individuals from seeking this valuable diagnostic tool. By debunking these myths, we gain a clearer picture of how heart scans contribute to proactive, preventive care and why they are a vital step in maintaining heart health as you age.

Myth 1: Heart Scans Use Too Much Radiation

Radiation exposure often deters people from considering heart scans. However, advancements in technology have significantly reduced radiation levels associated with these scans. At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we use electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) scanners, which minimize radiation exposure while providing highly accurate imaging.³

To put it in perspective, the radiation dose from a heart scan is comparable to that of a mammogram—far below levels considered harmful. For most people, the benefits of knowing their cardiovascular risk far outweigh the minimal exposure.

Myth 2: Heart Scans Are Only for People With Symptoms

Heart scans are most effective as a preventive measure, even for individuals without symptoms. Many people with no signs of heart disease discover significant plaque buildup through a scan. Detecting issues early allows you to take steps to protect your heart health before symptoms appear.

Myth 3: Heart Scans Aren’t Affordable

Contrary to popular belief, heart scans are relatively inexpensive. Given the potential to identify life-threatening risks early, this scan offers exceptional value as part of a proactive health plan.

How Often Should I Have a Heart Scan?

The frequency of repeat scans depends on your initial CAC score and any subsequent health changes. For those with a score of 0, repeating the scan every five years is sufficient unless new risk factors develop. 

If you receive a high CAC score, your physician may recommend repeating the scan in one to two years to monitor changes. During this time, implementing targeted lifestyle changes can help slow or even halt plaque progression.

Monitoring your coronary calcium over time ensures that your interventions are effective and provides peace of mind.

Take Control of Your Heart Health Today

At the Hotze Health & Wellness Center, we believe that prevention is the key to lifelong health. Our state-of-the-art EBCT scanner delivers accurate results with minimal radiation exposure, offering clarity and empowering you to make proactive decisions for healthy aging. This quick, noninvasive procedure provides invaluable insights into your cardiovascular risk, making it an essential part of your wellness journey. 

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear—schedule your heart scan today.  Contact one of our Wellness Consultants now at 281-990-4846 to learn more about heart scans and everything else we offer to support your health goals. Together, we can help you age gracefully and live your best life.

References

1. Budoff, Matthew J., et al. “Coronary Artery Calcium Scanning: Clinical Applications and Relevance.” Journal of the American College of Cardiology, vol. 72, no. 4, 2018, pp. 434-447.  
2. “Heart Disease Facts.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, 7 Sept. 2022, www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm.  
3. Cury, Ricardo C., et al. “Radiation Dose in Cardiac CT: Strategies for its Reduction.” Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography, vol. 10, no. 4, 2016, pp. 310-316.

Categories: Heart Health

Tags: Cardiovascular Risk, Coronary Artery Calcium Score, EBCT Scanner Benefits, healthy aging, heart disease prevention, Heart Health, Hotze Health & Wellness Center, Noninvasive Diagnostic Tools, Preventive Health Screening, Proactive Wellness

Contact Us

Categories