Over half the people who died suddenly of a heart attack had no prior symptoms. To combat this, you can undergo a coronary artery calcium scoring (CACS) exam to scan the heart and detect calcium deposits along the walls of arteries. The test then produces a calcium score that identifies your level of deposits. Taking into account other factors such as age, family history, and cholesterol level, you doctor uses that score to measure your potential for heart disease. this quick and easy screening takes only 5 minutes and gives immediate results.
It is recommended that people between 20 and 40 undergo a physical examination, including some type of cancer and cholesterol screening, every three years. If you’re over 40, an exam should be done every year. Factors that necessitate more frequent and in-depth screenings
include:
- Family history
- Tobacco use
- Environmental risks (chemical or radiation exposure)
- Lifestyle (nutrition, diet, and exercise)