Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) - Health Headlines

By Les Fleischer, M.D., Cardiology at White-Wilson Medical Center

How should we recognize whether we have Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?
CAD, also known as heart disease, is the #1 cause of death in America. CAD is caused by damage to the arteries that supply blood to the heart. The damaged areas heal by calcifying and the deposits are easily detected long before a heart attack or symptoms occur. Early detection allows people to make the necessary changes to halt the progression of the disease.

What is the best way to tell if you are at risk for heart disease?
A Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring (CACS) test uses an ultra-fast CT scanner to provide images of your arteries. We analyze these images and determine the amount of calcium present, then convert the findings to a Score. CACS can thus accurately detect the presence of atherosclerosis.

Understanding Your CAC Score:
The Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) proposes that CACS can be used to assess the arterial age in adults. By comparing average CAC Scores of different age patients, we can asses the ‘age of your arteries.’ For example, you may be 55 years old but arteries may be those of a 72 year old.

What is the Take Home Message?
Early detection allows you to make changes in your lifestyle that will affect your coronary arteries. Sometimes the changes are as simple as diet or stopping smoking; other times drug therapy is necessary. Recognizing your risks and early detection of CAC allow you to control your health and discuss other appropriate tests with your doctor.

Contact:
White-Wilson Medical Center Cardiology
1005 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, Florida 32547
Phone: (850) 863-8185

Did you know?

Coronary heart disease and stroke death rates have decreased by 30 percent since 1999. Follow this link to learn more about the American Heart Association’s recent findings regarding heart disease and stroke.

Learn More About the American Heart Association's research and findings.

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