Home | Site Map
Contact Us

Return to -what does my score mean

Zero Calcified Coronary Atherosclerosis (CAC score 0-0.9)

Our Cardiology Panel Report for Patients and Physicians

Electron Beam (Ultrafast) CT examination of the entire coronary system detected no (or negligible) identifiable calcified plaque "burden" at this time. Although it is likely that some noncalcified plaque exists in most middle ages adults, it is not generally worrisome in asymptomatic patients with a CAC score of zero.

A score indicating zero (or trivial) amounts of calcified plaque is very reassuring. 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.

Although there are no specific recommendations with such a favorable examination, maintenance of a prudent and "heart-healthy" lifestyle will help to continue this excellent coronary prognosis. This includes adequate exercise, avoidance of tobacco and a healthful diet. 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. In those circumstances, your physician may decide to use the heartscan information to help guide his decisions about the necessity or intensity of therapy. In addition, a review of cardiac risk factors and the cholesterol level is likely to be considered by a physician according to national guidelines (NCEP) for primary coronary prevention.

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 coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores.