Facts about Coronary Calcium Test and Nashville AHA CPR Certification

The biggest risk factors of cardiovascular disease include high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Managing the risk factors can significantly lower the risk for cardiovascular disease. It is important to go for regular health checkups to assess the risk of heart disease. As per the latest cholesterol guidelines, having a coronary artery calcium test when risk status for people 40 to 75 years old is uncertain can help to determine who can or will benefit from statins.

Let us throw some light on the life-saving CPR techniques. The cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures comprise chest compressions and rescue breaths. Proper application can contribute towards the safety of cardiac arrest victims. Make sure to join an American Heart Association CPR class Nashville for obtaining the best training like at the AHA certified CPR Nashville in Tennessee where classes for both healthcare and non-healthcare providers are conducted.

Coronary Calcium Test:

1.      The test involves a type of rapid X-ray called a CT scan which takes cross-sectional images of the vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle, to check for the buildup of calcified plaque, which is composed of fats, cholesterol, calcium and other substances in the blood. This calcium is different from the calcium in bones and isn't related to too much calcium in a diet. The measurement enables a doctor in identifying who is at risk for heart disease before a person has signs or symptoms.

2.      A CAC test also helps in making an informed decision about whether someone needs a medication to reduce their risk. The test isn't recommended universally for everyone but is most helpful for those whose risk falls in an intermediate zone.

3.      The guidelines help doctors in placing a patient in four classifications of risk: low, borderline, intermediate and high, using a calculated formula and taking several risk factors into consideration like diabetes, cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

4.      The test is a bit expensive which involves an equivalent amount of radiation exposure as a mammogram but is well worth it.

5.      As per the guidelines, healthcare providers should have an in-depth discussion about the potential benefits of statin drugs, considering all risk factors- this is for intermediate or some borderline patients. The CAC test can enable doctors in making better decisions and target those people who may need medication to reduce risk or identify people with a CAC score of 0 who may be able to avoid medication.

CAC testing can prove to be beneficial for:

1.      People hesitant in starting statin therapy and those who want to understand their risk and potential benefit more precisely.

2.      People concerned about restarting statin therapy after stopping treatment because of side effects.

3.      Men between 55 and 80 years of age or women between 60 and 80 with few risk factors who question whether they would benefit from statin therapy.

4.      People ages 40 to 55 with an estimated 10-year risk for developing heart disease between 5 percent and 7.5 percent, and risk factors that increase their chances of heart disease.

Sign up for a CPR course today at CPR Nashville and gain the benefits. Call on 615-397-9316 to know more.