Heart CT score of 1600

Hi everyone, I was just informed that my Father has a score of 1600 on his heart CT scan. What does this mean? What does his future hold as far as surgeries, or whatever?


Thanks so much in advance

[erijon]

I'm assuming this is his calcium score. If so, prior studies have used cutoff values to determine high and low calcium scores.  One study defined a low calcium score as  400.  

It is important to note that calcification of the coronary arteries is part of the aging process, and all people develop calcium with age.  For example, one study looked at calcium scores and coronary arteries using angiography.  Almost all patients (95%) less than 40 years old with calcium score of less than 8 had no significant narrowing of the arteries.  In patients over 70 years old, this number was much higher.  Almost all patients in the elderly group with a calcium score less than 134 had no narrowing of the arteries.  This study shows that the calcium score must be interpreted in relation to the age, gender, and medical conditions of each patient.

Many patients are tempted to get a calcium score based on advertisements, but there are risks to a calcium score test.  First, there is a risk with all CT scans associated with radiation exposure.  A calcium score uses relatively little radiation, but the radiation dose may be considerable if combined with a CT-Angiogram.  Secondly, there has not been any large study proving that patients treated based on calcium scores have better outcomes.  A calcium score may also lead to unnecessary procedures that also have risks.  For example, a patient with a moderately elevated calcium score and no symptoms may be referred for an invasive procedure.

Finally, there are "plaques" in the coronary arteries that do not have any calcium.  These are known as "vulnerable plaques" because they are more likely to lead to a heart attack than calcified plaques.  A calcium score will not identify the vulnerable plaque, and a patient may have a heart attack from a vulnerable plaque even with a low calcium score.

Is your father experiencing symptoms of heart disease and why did he have the procedure? Knowing this would help answer you questions.

Hope this helps,

Jon

[Fuel1212]

Jon

Thanks for helping me understand this. He got this CAC test because he has been having minor symptoms. He went in for a stress US and when he was finished he had an EKG that came up a tad questionable.

They did say 400 was the highest they would like to see this number. His is sooo high, it is scary. Does this mean there is a ton of blockage or calcification?

Also, what will they likely do to fix this?

Thanks again!
Todd

[erijon]

The only real way to know what needs to be done is with an angiogram where they can go and look at the blood as it flows through his arteries. The treatment depends on the severity of the blockages. Most doctors will stent at blockages over 70%. If it is under 70% they may just treat with meds. If there are blockages that can't be stented then he may need bypass. This depends greatly on his symptoms. There are members here that have 100% blockages that don't require stents or bypasses as they have grown small collateral arteries around the blockage which supply oxygen to the heart muscle. If his symptoms are moderate to sever he most likely does not have collaterals and will need some intervention if the blockages are over 70%.

It sounds more complicated than it is, he really needs to get an angiogram to see what his arteries look like.

Best wishes for your father,

Jon

[Fuel1212]

Thank you very much for your time!

[erijon]

You are very welcome, please keep us posted on your father's progress. There are many here who have experienced what your father is facing and they are all really a great resource.

Jon