What happens when you get a Coronary Calcium Score that is not a zero? What can be done to reduce my Coronary Calcium Score or my heart attack risk? These are common questions patients ask at the South Denver Heart Center. Dr. Paul Jurgens is a preventative cardiologist with South Denver Cardiology Associates. In this video, he answers the patients’ questions about the results of their Coronary Calcium Score.
Welcome to the south denver heart center here in littleton colorado i’m dr paul jorgens a preventive cardiologist specializing in the assessment and management of cardiovascular disease risk today i’d like to talk with you about a question that many patients ask which is what can i do to lower my coronary artery calcium score for an overview of the coronary
Calcium score i encourage you to watch dr bailey’s video as he discusses the appropriate use acquisition and interpretation of the coronary calcium score and how its result can influence decision making between you and your health care provider regarding your heart care when patients ask what can i do to lower my coronary calcium score what they’re often asking
Is what can i do to reduce my risk for a heart attack which is associated with an elevated coronary calcium score the process of coronary artery disease also known as atherosclerosis involves a complex interaction between abnormal blood vessel function elevated levels of cholesterol immune system cells and inflammation all together this process of coronary
Artery disease results in a coronary artery plaque or heart artery blockage which can have a calcified component as well as a cholesterol rich core various preventive measures particularly lowering of the ldl or bad cholesterol can reduce plaque volume and change its composition and this change in plaque composition is predominantly mediated by a reduction in
The cholesterol-rich core leaving the calcified cap fixed in place and this change in plaque composition is associated with increased plaque stability and decreased risk of rupture which often leads to a heart attack because the cholesterol-rich core is known to be modifiable but not necessarily the calcified cap short of any invasive procedure to the coronary
Artery there are no known preventive measures both lifestyle and medical that can lower your coronary calcium score importantly with various preventive measures as the plaque is stabilized and the risk of heart attack is decreased the calcium score may actually increase in summary while you can’t lower your coronary calcium score you certainly can reduce your
Risk for a heart attack eat a heart healthy diet whether that’s a plant-based diet a mediterranean style diet increase your physical activity and its intensity duration and frequency if there’s ongoing tobacco use do everything you can to quit manage diabetes manage high blood pressure lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels our entire team here at south
Denver cardiology welcomes you to our heart center for a personalized consultation regarding your coronary calcium score or any other aspect relating to your heart care thanks so much for watching you
Transcribed from video
Can I Lower My Coronary Artery Calcium Score? Dr. Paul Jurgens from South Denver Cardiology By South Denver Cardiology Associates P.C.
