A coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan is a CT scan used to detect calcified plaque in the arteries. Its intention is to assess the risk of coronary artery disease in an individual, but it is often perceived as a death sentence. A common phrase that is googled after is “what is my life expectancy with CAC score of X.”
While it is common to live in fear after receiving a medical diagnosis such as a high CAC score, feeding words like these to yourself is not helpful: “Will it happen when I walk? Okay I won’t go for a walk." “Will it happen if I eat? Okay, I won’t eat." “Will it happen when I sleep? Okay, I won’t sleep" -- All of this health anxiety increases your stress levels and your risk of heart disease.
While your fear is common and valid, we need to take this as an opportunity to be more proactive in reducing your risk. I see individuals post heart attack that never took this test and if they they had, it may have reduced their chance of having a cardiovascular event.
⭐️ No matter the diagnosis, no matter where you are in your heart health journey, we need to optimize your risk factors by looking to improve: blood pressure, lipid profile, inflammatory markers, blood sugar/insulin/hgA1c to stricter standards.
⭐️ We need to address the underlying root causes that make plaque unstable and promotes more plaque in the arteries (this includes insulin resistance, oxidative stress, blood vessel dysfunction, inflammation).
⭐️ We need to achieve a nutrient sufficient diet, improve sleep quality and quantity, manage stress and healthy anxiety, etc. to help address the above.
❤️ No matter where you are in your heart health journey, we must act now to reduce your risk of cardiovascular issues!
⚠️ Googling can put you down a health anxiety rabbit hole that can do more harm than good (plus it may also populate a million ads for supplements that are enticing and may do more harm than good).
❤️ In my 6 week heart optimization group program, I spend the time to explain the WHY behind my recommendations to empower you with an action plan going forward.
👉🏼 To secure your spot, enroll for my July 7th group. Find more information here: learn more here: https://entirelynourished.com/group-coaching
Spots are limited and are provided on a first sign up basis!