I just need a bit of advice about heart health, my grandfather died of a heart attack aged 70 he was a smoker, my Dad had an mild heart attack then got a stent in last year and he still smokes and I used to smoke and drink but quit two years ago due to diagnosed rheumatiod arthritis, I am 50. So now Im getting worried should I get my heart checked (CT Calcium score). I do eat healthy and walk a lot but I now take methotrexate for my arthritis and have the odd heart flutter so Im thinking should I get health insurance or pay for a CT Calcium score for peace of mind. Ay advice welcome please. Thak you.
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Frankiefocus
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Hi frankiefocus. First of all I am not a medic so wouldn’t even speculate on whether it is appropriate or not to have investigation based on your family history. That said I myself am 55 and had a calcium score ct scan carried out on advice of my GP due to high cholesterol readings ( over 7) and persistent palpatations and some odd pressure type pains. The score turned out to be very very high therefore I was referred for an angiogram which showed only mild calcification of my arteries no action required. My issue is due to another heart problem. The calcium score test can only tell you the degree of calcium present it does not tell you where any blockages are located therefore if you get a very high score you may need to proceed to an angiogram (which was absolutely fine by the way) for peace of mind. Hope this is helpful.
A CT Angiogram will provide you with your calcium score (also known as the Agaston score) and detail of the amount (given as a % range) and type (eg calcified, partially or non calcified) as well as location of any plaques.
It is not as accurate as an Angiogram but is considered pretty reliable and is obviously less invasive.
You can also have a scan that gives the calcium score only. Bear in mind that if your score is positive and depending on how high, you may then want to know where any blockages might be and how big they are.
I had a CT Angiogram dine privately at a cost of £650. This gave a score of 133 and indicated mild blockages in two arteries - treated with medication (statin and aspirin).
I would suggest discussing with your gp in the first instance to see what you can get done. As Michael has said, a stress ecg (that includes an echocardiogram) is a very good, non invasive, test.
I had the non invasive ct angiogram. Some dye is injected into the arteries and a scan then taken of your heart.
A traditional angiogram takes place in a hospital cath lab. A tiny camera is inserted into your artery (via wrist or groin) and then threaded through the coronary arteries to look for blockages.
Firstly, congratulations on quitting smoking. I know how hard that is, but you're two years down the road and that's a massive accomplishment.
Smoking, by a country mile, is the biggest single risk factor (after age that is, but there's not much we can do about how old we are!). So by stopping smoking you've taken an enormous step towards a long and healthy future life.
There's a lot to be said for concentrating on the other life style issues that will also improve your odds. Regular and serious exercise, a healthy diet, within target BMI, good sleep patterns, stress management, checking and managing down your blood pressure, etc, etc.
None of it rocket science, all of it yielding meaningful dividends for your future prospects.
I would thinkyour father's age at 70+ so would imagine his and your grandfather's heart issues were more smoking related than genetic. Do try and get your father to stop!
If your BP and cholesterol levels are fine the best initial tests IMHO are a stress ECG and an echocardiogram.
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