Coronary Artery Calcification (CAC) is a silent form of heart disease that develops slowly over many years. In this episode of Barangay Belkens on Radyo Veritas, Adult Cardiologist Dr. Jesseline Cia explains how calcium buildup inside the coronary arteries can increase the risk of heart attack, heart failure, and other serious cardiovascular conditions.

CAC occurs when calcium deposits form within plaque inside the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup is a sign of long-term artery damage caused by conditions such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, and aging. Over time, these deposits harden the arteries and narrow the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the heart muscle.

One of the most dangerous aspects of coronary artery calcification is that it often develops without symptoms. Many people do not realize they have CAC until the condition becomes severe. When symptoms appear, they may include chest tightness during physical activity, shortness of breath, fatigue even with minimal movement, or in severe cases, a heart attack.

The discussion also explains the difference between atherosclerosis and coronary artery calcification. Atherosclerosis is the disease process where cholesterol plaque gradually builds up in the artery walls. CAC refers to the calcium deposits that form within these plaques and signal long-standing damage to the coronary arteries.

Doctors can detect CAC through a Coronary Calcium Scan, also called a CT Calcium Scan. This quick and painless CT scan measures the amount of calcium present in the coronary arteries and produces a calcium score. A score of zero suggests low risk, while higher scores indicate increasing risk of heart attack and coronary artery disease.

Although calcium buildup cannot be removed from the arteries, treatment focuses on reducing the risk of complications. Doctors may prescribe cholesterol-lowering medications such as statins, treatments for diabetes or hypertension, and sometimes blood-thinning medications depending on a patient’s overall cardiovascular risk.

Lifestyle changes remain one of the most effective ways to slow the progression of CAC and protect heart health. These include quitting smoking and vaping, eating a balanced diet low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight, controlling stress, and getting regular medical checkups before symptoms appear.

Understanding coronary calcium score results and identifying risk factors early can help prevent serious heart problems. Early detection and proper management can significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and other life-threatening cardiovascular events.

This video covers coronary artery calcification, coronary calcium score testing, CT calcium scan screening, CAC symptoms, heart attack risk factors, atherosclerosis, cholesterol management, and lifestyle strategies to protect long-term heart health.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to CAC
00:56 Coronary Artery Calcification
01:53 Causes of CAC
02:23 Risk Factors for CAC
03:19 Symptoms of CAC
06:07 Diagnosis of CAC
07:28 Treatment Options
07:56 Lifestyle Changes
08:51 Health Risks of Undiagnosed CAC
10:19 Preventive Measures

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