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Question:
Can you explain my health score?
My score is 73 with plaque growing at an accelerated rate left main and right coronary artery resulting in arteries more than 15 years older than expected; also, pericardial thickening from chronic contact with the anterior chest wall; esophageal reflux is also noted. This is confusing since score is considered low. Can you explain?
submitted by Penny from Tennessee on 7/6//2012
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Michael J. Mihalick, MD
Dear Penny: I assume that the score to which you are referring is the Agoston calcium score from a CT exam. This test is used to assess risk for a cardiovascular event (heart attack, stroke). It is analogous to a cholesterol level. An individual's risk for developing vascular disease depends on a multitude of factors. An easy way to determine your particular risk is to calculate your Framingham Risk Score. This is currently considered the best starting point. When the calcium score is added to this risk score, a small number of individuals may be re-classified to a higher or lower risk. However, since your score is very low, it would probably lower your risk score. As far as the other findings are concerned, they may have no practical value, but you should discuss them with your physician to determine their true significance. For example, if you are having symptoms of esophageal reflux, more intensive therapy or further testing may be indicated. Sincerely.
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Updated July 2012
