Coronary artery calcification
What is it?
Coronary calcification describes a “hardening” of the arteries to the heart. It is often picked up on routine CT scans and is more common with age.
As coronary artery calcification can indicate an increased risk of developing heart problems such as angina in the future it is important to control any other risk factors.
What can be done to reduce future risks?
For smokers, smoking cessation is vital, and most patients will also benefit from treatment with a statin to reduce high cholesterol.
For patients with high blood pressure, good blood pressure control with a target of less than 135/85 is also important.
Lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, increased activity and following a healthy diet low in fat and sugar are all essential to help prevent calcification progressing.
Do I need any treatment changes?
Patients who are not already receiving treatment with a statin will be invited for a blood test to check their cholesterol level. This enables a 10 year cardiovascular risk score to be calculated. Treatment with a statin will be recommended for anyone with a 10 year risk of more than 10%.
If you have not had a recent blood pressure check, you will also be invited to have this done. For patients already on treatment for high blood pressure we will check that the most recent blood pressure reading is below the recommended target.
A small number of patients with more severe levels of calcification may need some additional preventative treatment and will be contacted to arrange a review at the surgery.
If you have been experiencing any symptoms of chest pain then it is very important to let the surgery know as this may require further investigation.