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The Dangers of Coronary Calcium Scans

Most people know that calcium is essential for healthy teeth and bones. But did you know that it also plays a significant role in cardiovascular health? While the idea of seeing inside the body to find out if you have coronary artery disease sounds good, the reality is that coronary calcium scans are dangerous, ineffective, and unnecessary.

Scientists and researchers developed the coronary calcium scan to respond to the impact of calcium on the heart and its blood vessels. This specialized test provides images of the heart, showing just how much calcium is present in the walls of the coronary arteries. Unfortunately, it may do more harm than good.

Understanding calcium’s relationship to the heart 

Under normal circumstances, the human body makes good use of calcium, storing 99 percent of it in the skeleton. The remaining calcium circulates the body in the blood, helping to repair damaged tissue

The blood vessel wall is a common location of tissue damage. Poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and toxin exposure contribute to high blood pressure and oxidative stress, which damage blood vessel tissue. 

The inflammatory process recruits calcium, cholesterol, and other fatty substances to come to the rescue, repairing the damaged vessel walls. This “plaque” is soft and waxy at first. However, it can harden or calcify over time. 

Excess calcium commonly deposits in the blood vessels surrounding the heart, especially as we age. In fact, coronary artery calcification deposits are found in 67 percent of women and 90 percent of men over 70.  

What is a coronary calcium scan? 

Calcified arterial plaques can be seen with a specialized x-ray device called a CT scan. A coronary calcium scan helps to detect the amount or level of calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries. Other names for this test include: 

  • Heart scan
  • Calcium scan test
  • Cardiac CT for calcium scoring 

Using an electron beam or multidetector computed tomography (EBCT or MDCT), multiple small sections from the aorta through the apex of the heart are x-rayed.

How is a coronary calcium scan interpreted? 

The coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was developed in the 1980s to quantify coronary calcification. The results of a coronary calcium scan are typically given as a number called the Agatston score. 

The Agatston score estimates the extent of coronary artery disease:

  • 0: No plaque or evidence of coronary artery disease.
  • 1–10: Minimal coronary artery disease.
  • 11–100: Mild coronary artery disease. Mild or minimal coronary narrowing likely.
  • 101–400: Moderate coronary artery disease. Significant narrowing possible.
  • > 400: Severe coronary artery disease. High likelihood of at least one significant coronary narrowing. The higher your score, the higher your risk of a heart attack. 

Due to the continuum of this diagnostic measurement, it’s challenging to identify a healthy coronary calcium score. Technically speaking, a normal calcium score is zero. However, as we age, most people develop calcium in their vessels. 

While many doctors use a CAC score, some have questioned its validity. For example, this study asserts that the Agatston score is arbitrary. Moreover, these scans measure calcified plaque, which has become hardened. These plaques tend to be more stable and fixed in place. The test does not measure soft plaque, which is more prone to cause a problem in the circulatory system. 

What are the risks of a coronary calcium scan?

As with all medical procedures, coronary calcium scans come with risks, primarily radiation exposure. CT scans and x-rays deliver ionizing radiation, a known human carcinogen. Radiation from a coronary calcium scan breaks chemical bonds in the tissue, damaging DNA and leading to cancer

Humans are exposed to low-level radiation daily. However, the effects of radiation, whether from our everyday lives or CT scans, are cumulative. The more radiation one gets over time, the higher the risk of heart disease, cancer, and dementia. 

While it might be nice to know how much calcium is in the coronary arteries, is it worth the risk of developing additional health problems that result from the radiation? 

Do the results change the care plan? 

Medicine has an interesting problem. We tend to over-test in certain situations. You have the sniffles? Take a Covid test. You are at high risk for heart attack, get a coronary calcium scan. 

Unfortunately, over-testing is at the root of many of our problems. We must ask ourselves, how will the test results change our heart health plan? If the health plan is the same, regardless of test outcome, is the test necessary? 

Generally speaking, individuals with high Agatston scores are prescribed statin drugs. And, as we know, statins don’t lower coronary artery calcification. 

Statins are the wrong answer to coronary artery disease

Approximately 35 million people take statin drugs in the United States. Statins are the abbreviated name for cholesterol-lowering medications called HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors. Many doctors prescribe statins in response to an elevated coronary calcium score. 

Interestingly, a 2015 study found that statin drug therapy does not reduce coronary calcium scores. Instead, the study found an increase in coronary calcification from statin drugs. Therefore, individuals with multiple coronary calcium scans can expect an increase in scores when taking statin drugs.

A better plan for treating coronary artery disease 

Individuals who’ve had an abnormal calcium scan don’t need to turn to pharmaceuticals to heal. There are many healthier alternatives to reduce plaque buildup in the arteries. The best ways to remedy a poor coronary calcium scan score include the following: 

Eat Well

With every bite of food, we are determining our health. Nourishing food has the ability to heal, while consuming a diet high in processed carbohydrates and sugars is the number one contributor to atherosclerosis. Studies show that more than two-thirds of heart disease deaths could be prevented with healthier diets. 

The best way to prevent heart disease is by eating an organic, whole-food diet free of pesticides, GMOs, and other toxic chemicals. Consuming a diet rich in vegetables, grass-fed meat, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, fish, seafood, nuts, and seeds is the number one way to keep the arteries healthy. 

Live Well

We live in a sedentary world, with most individuals spending hours sitting behind a screen. Most people rarely spend more than a few minutes outdoors in the sun. 

Sadly, this was not how nature intended humans to exist. Our ancient ancestors roamed the earth, rising and sleeping with the sun. They integrated movement throughout the day. Grounding to the earth was simply part of life. 

A healthy body begins with movement. Get outside and get the heart pumping, which will work to keep the blood flowing smoothly through the arteries. Embrace the gift of sunshine, which helps the body produce blood-pressure-lowering nitric oxide and vitamin D. 

Think Well

Where our thoughts go, the body follows. If you surround yourself with low-vibrational energy, your body will become ill. On the other hand, if you reduce stress and focus on the positive, your body will respond accordingly. Studies show that depression and anxiety are frequently associated with coronary artery disease. 

Therefore, spend time each day doing something that you love. Reduce stress through yoga, meditation, or mindfulness. 

Test, Don’t Guess

A coronary calcium scan is an unnecessary and potentially dangerous test. However, there are many tests that are effective in determining how well the cardiovascular system is functioning. 

For example, the advanced cardiac panel is a simple blood test that takes an in-depth look at the heart and its vessels. This comprehensive test evaluates significant health predictors such as inflammation, cholesterol, insulin, advanced lips, homocysteine, hormones, and more. 

This test provides just as valuable information as a coronary calcium scan but without the radiation, discomfort, and cost. 

Evidence-based supplements 

If you’ve had a coronary calcium scan and your score was high, you’ve likely been prescribed pharmaceuticals. Sadly, many people don’t realize that there are more natural and effective remedies. 

The Coronary Artery Disease Complete Support Protocol provides everything you need to support healthy blood vessels. The CAD Complete Support Protocol ensures optimal blood flow, endothelial function, nitric oxide formation, detoxification, and blood vessel integrity, without all the nasty side effects. 

Next Steps

If you’ve already had a coronary calcium scan, don’t worry. What’s done is done. However, steer clear of this dangerous test in the future, as the benefits certainly don’t outweigh the costs.

A simple yet comprehensive lab test is the best way to determine your risk for coronary artery disease. The lab test results will then drive the treatment recommendations, which may include various natural supplements to help support your blood vessels. 

Eat well, Live well, Think well

Medical Review: Dr. Lauren Lattanza 2022

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About Dr. Lauren Lattanza NMD, FACC

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As a Naturopathic Physician, I am trained to treat the whole person and get to the root cause of disease.

I went to Arizona State University where I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a depth in physiology and minor in Spanish. After my undergraduate degree I was working on prerequisite classes towards medical school, which is when I came to learn that my values identified best with the principles of naturopathic medicine. I knew that I wanted to help patients identify the causes of disease and be able to offer treatments which would improve their health rather than simply treating symptoms.

I dedicated the next 4 years to the Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Tempe, Arizona where I attained my Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine. I served as Class President all 4 years, Board of Trustees – Student Trustee, spoke as the Club President for our branch of Toastmasters, and was voted by my peers and attending physicians to earn the Outstanding Leadership Award for the Class of 2020. Throughout medical school I took it upon myself to work alongside MDs, DOs, chiropractors, and functional medicine practitioners in addition to naturopathic physicians.

As a Spanish speaking student, I was able to volunteer with community clinics around Phoenix and provide free healthcare to low-income families. Due to this combined exposure, I came to find my passion in treating cardiometabolic and digestive disorders that are all too common, yet largely preventable. I took the opportunity to learn the broad spectrum of healthcare so I can ensure that I am able to provide my patients with the best options.

About Dr. Jack Wolfson DO, FACC

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Dr. Jack Wolfson is a board-certified cardiologist, Amazon best-selling author, husband, father, and the nation’s #1 Natural Heart Doctor.

For more than two decades, more than one million people have enjoyed the warmth, compassion, and transformational power of his natural heart health courses and events.

Dr. Wolfson is the founder of Natural Heart Doctor Scottsdale, his heart health practice in Arizona, and Natural Heart Doctor, an online resource center with natural health information. Doctors from across the globe reach out to Dr. Wolfson for training and education in holistic health practices.

He has been named one of America’s Top Functional Medicine Doctors and is a five-time winner of the Natural Choice Awards as a holistic M.D. Dr. Wolfson’s work has been covered by more than 100 media outlets, including NBC, CNN, and the Washington Post. His book “The Paleo Cardiologist: The Natural Way to Heart Health” was an Amazon #1 best-seller.

Dr. Wolfson and his wife Heather have four children and are committed to making the world a better place to live. They provide for those in need (including animals) and support natural health causes through their philanthropic efforts.

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Frequently Asked Questions

I’d like to receive an online second opinion from Natural Heart Doctor. What do I do next?

You can initiate a second opinion online through our website at any time. To begin, select the team member you’d like to speak with and open an account.

Click here for cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Lauren Lattanza. Get details.

Naturopathic Medical Doctor Dr. Tonia Rainier. Get details.

Click here for  Natural Heart Doctor Health Coach.

Alternatively, you can email health@naturalheartdoctor.com. A member of our care team will help guide you through the process of starting a second opinion.

What is the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

The cost for most second opinions varies by team member. This fee includes information collection, a phone or video consultation, a second opinion from a Natural Heart Doctor specialist and guidance throughout the process from your personal Care Team at Natural Heart Doctor.

Cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson’s Second Opinion Fee is $1500.

Holistic Physician’s Dr. Lauren Lattanza’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Naturopathic Physician Dr. Tonia Rainier’s Second Opinion Fee is $250.

Note: We apply the Online Second Opinion Call fee as a credit to any future consultations with Natural Heart Doctor, should you choose them.

Will my insurance cover the cost of a Natural Heart Doctor Online Second Opinion?

Most likely, no. Most health plans do not cover online second opinions or consultations. You are responsible for the cost of our second opinion. Natural Heart Doctor cannot file a claim with your insurance carrier, nor can we provide a procedure (CPT) code for this service.

What is the timeline to receive an online second opinion?

We do our best to schedule your second opinion as quickly as possible. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 business days after your information has been collected to receive your phone or video online second opinion.

What information do you need in advance of our call?

Our office will send you a short questionnaire to complete and return. We DO NOT need your complete medical records.

How many questions can I ask the expert during our call?

You may ask a maximum of five questions. This is to ensure that the expert has sufficient time to devote to each question. All questions must be finalized before your online meeting.

What should I expect to receive once my second opinion is complete?

You will receive a summary of our discussion along with our second opinion. The second opinion will be in written form. After you have reviewed the second opinion, a Natural Heart Doctor clinician will follow up with you by phone to address general medical questions about the information provided in the second opinion.

What if I have follow-up questions for the expert after I have reviewed my second opinion?

If you have a clarifying question about an expert’s response to one of the questions in your second opinion, and the Natural Heart Doctor clinician is unable to address it, then you may request a follow up session for an additional fee. 

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Natural Heart Doctor is strongly committed to protecting the privacy and security of all our patients. Our website meets all federal requirements for protecting personal health information under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). All financial transactions are processed by Natural Heart Doctor securely using industry standard payment processing tools.

I would rather visit Natural Heart Doctor for an in-person appointment. What should I do next?

If you would prefer an in-person appointment at Natural Heart Doctor instead of an online second opinion, please call (480) 535-6844 for details and scheduling.

Can I schedule a follow up appointment with the specialist who provided my online second opinion?

Yes, we’re happy to help you on an extended basis. Our clinician can discuss options with you when presenting our second opinion summary.