Ten minutes can add years to your life

Concerned about your heart disease risk? Call to schedule an appointment: 704-384-SCAN (7226)

Knowing your risk for heart disease is an important part of staying heart-healthy. As the leading cause of death in the United States, learning your risk for and receiving early detection of heart disease is key for prevention and survival. In additional to cholesterol, blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) screenings, cardiac scoring is a great way to assess your risk for developing heart disease long before any signs or symptoms are visible.

Recommended for men ages 45 to 75 and women ages 55 to 75, as well as those at risk for heart disease due to family history, lifestyle and other factors, cardiac scoring is a simple, non-invasive test that only takes 10 minutes to complete. Using a computed tomography (CT) scanner, providers at Novant Health can detect calcium deposits in the coronary artery through a series of images showing blood flow in the arteries. They can then use these images to assess your chances of developing coronary artery disease.

A form of heart disease, coronary artery disease or atherosclerosis, is also known as the “silent killer.” This disease occurs when arteries that carry blood and oxygen to the heart become clogged by calcium deposits. The deposits, called plaque, decrease the flow of blood to the heart and increase the likelihood of a sudden heart attack. Coronary artery disease accounts for nearly three quarters of every death from heart disease, and cardiac scoring is an easy way to determine your risk, so you can take action to lower it.

If you find you are at high risk for or suffer from coronary artery disease, making lifestyle changes can help to lower your risk or prevent the disease from getting worse:

• Follow a healthy diet – A healthy diet is one that is low in saturated fats (especially trans fats), includes fats found in fish and olive oil, and is high in fiber and low in salt and sugar.
• Become physically active – As little as 60 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a day can positively impact your heart health.
• Maintain a healthy weight – A regular physical activity program and a healthy diet are the two best ways to maintain a healthy weight.
• Quit smoking – Smoking can increase your risk for heart disease and worsen other coronary artery disease risk factors.
• Learn to manage stress – Physical activity and relaxation therapy are two easy and effective ways to manage stress.

Novant Health Heart & Vascular Institute offers prevention services, early detection evaluation, dietary and exercise consultations and smoking cessation classes, as well as a cardiac rehabilitation program for those who suffer from heart disease.

Spending just 10 minutes to have a cardiac scoring CT can add years to your life. Call your doctor’s office and ask for a referral to get tested at one of our many convenient imaging locations.

Learn your risk for heart disease with cardiac scoring. Call 704-384-SCAN (7226) to schedule an appointment. To learn more about prevention services offered at Novant Health Heat & Vascular Institute, call 704-384-5043.