Coronary Artery Calcium Score: The Heart Test That Predicts More Than Just Heart Disease
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The Coronary Artery Calcium Score is a quick, painless CT scan that measures calcium buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
This calcium forms when cholesterol and plaque begin to harden — a sign of early atherosclerosis.
The test assigns a score:
| Score | Meaning | Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | No calcium detected | Very low risk |
| 1–99 | Mild buildup | Slightly elevated risk |
| 100–399 | Moderate buildup | Moderate risk |
| 400+ | Extensive buildup | High risk of heart attack |
Even a small CAC score can reveal underlying inflammation and damage long before symptoms appear.
Why the Study Matters
The groundbreaking data — published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) — found that the CAC score predicted total mortality better than cholesterol levels, blood pressure, or even smoking history.
That means the calcium in your arteries could be a mirror of your body’s overall aging and inflammation.
Dr. Michael Blaha from Johns Hopkins University explains:
“A high CAC score doesn’t just warn of heart disease — it may signal systemic health decline. The arteries tell a story about how your whole body is aging.”
The Whole-Body Connection
Why would a heart test predict all-cause mortality?
Because your arteries are like highways for your blood — and what happens there reflects what’s happening everywhere else.
High CAC often correlates with:
- Chronic inflammation
- Poor metabolic health
- High oxidative stress
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
These factors affect the brain, kidneys, joints, and immune system, not just the heart.
This makes the CAC test one of the most powerful tools in preventive medicine.
How to Lower Your CAC Score Naturally
While calcium buildup can’t be fully reversed, lifestyle and nutritional strategies can slow or stabilize it.
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Adopt a Mediterranean-style diet rich in olive oil, fish, leafy greens, and nuts.
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Reduce sugar and refined carbs — excess glucose accelerates arterial aging.
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Exercise regularly, focusing on low-impact cardio like walking, swimming, or rucking.
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Manage stress through mindfulness, deep breathing, or short daily meditation.
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Supplement wisely:
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Omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
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Magnesium to relax blood vessels.
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CoQ10 and Vitamin K2 to improve mitochondrial and vascular function.
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Some natural supplements — such as Mitolim, RegenVive, and NanoDefense Pro — have formulations that support cellular health, energy production, and circulation.
How to Lower Your CAC Score Naturally
The Importance of Prevention
Doctors now recommend CAC scoring for adults over 40, especially those with:
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure or cholesterol
- Type 2 diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
The test costs between $75 and $150 in the U.S. and can be done in less than 10 minutes — a small investment that could save years of life.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with a score of zero often have less than a 1% chance of heart attack in the next decade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does a CAC score of zero mean?
It means your arteries are clear of calcium buildup, and your risk of heart disease is extremely low.
2. Can my CAC score improve over time?
Yes. While calcium deposits don’t disappear, lifestyle and diet can prevent progression.
3. Is the CAC scan safe?
Yes. It uses a very low dose of radiation and takes only a few minutes.
4. Who should get the test?
Adults over 40 or anyone with family history or metabolic risk factors.
5. What supplements can support arterial health?
Omega-3, magnesium, vitamin K2, CoQ10, and antioxidant-based formulas like RegenVive or NanoDefense Pro.
In Summary
The Coronary Artery Calcium Score is emerging as one of the most valuable tools in modern health — revealing how your heart, metabolism, and inflammation work together.
It’s not just a heart test anymore — it’s a window into your biological age.
In a world focused on prevention, this simple scan can change how we measure — and protect — our health.