New research shows how coronary calcium alone isn’t enough of an indicator of cardiovascular disease in people with other traditional risk factors. Among adults with no coronary artery calcium (CAC), those who smoke, have hypertension, or have diabetes have the highest risk of cardiovascular disease.
The study published in the journal Circulation analyzed patient data from adults with zero measured CAC and determined what associations existed with outcomes, including stroke, heart attack, or atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The study followed patients from 2000 to 2018.
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It was found that among patients with no CAC, cigarette smokers had twice the risk of cardiovascular events compared to non-smokers. Those with diabetes and hypertension had 1.6 times the risk compared to patients without the conditions.
Researchers believe these findings help to demonstrate the importance of considering all facets of cardiovascular disease. Many healthcare professionals only rely on CAC measurement alone, but this study helps to display why other risk factors should be considered.
Co-author of the study, Philip Greenland, said, “This is also a lesson in understanding the full range of factors that go into the evaluation of risk prediction, which is why we recommend that the tests involved should be done in concert with a doctor – patients should not rely on a CT scan done at a screening center in the absence of a good clinical evaluation.”
A Healthy Heart
Taking steps to ensure a healthy heart includes lifestyle behaviors like exercising daily, eating healthy foods, quitting smoking, and getting the proper vitamins and minerals. As this study shows, even adults who have no CAC could be at risk for cardiovascular events if they don’t address other health conditions.
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With Heart Rescue, you can help to ensure that your heart is getting the support it needs to keep working at optimal performance. It was designed to promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including CoQ10, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and hawthorn extract.
This unique formula has been designed to help reduce the risk of heart disease, strengthen the heart muscle, maintain healthy cholesterol, and support circulation.
By taking some simple steps to help keep the heart healthy, you can lower your risk factors for cardiovascular events. Even if you have had a CT scan showing that you have no coronary calcium, remember that you can still be at risk for cardiovascular disease if you don’t address other risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or smoking.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
