Common Heart Scan USELESS for Women? (Shocking)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 30, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
My wife and I were lucky enough to get our annual physicals done before the omicron surge took off… and boy, am I glad we did!
Though we’re relatively young (both of us just now hitting our mid-50’s), we like to stay on top of our health as much as possible.
We also like to book our physicals for around same time. We do this for a few reasons… but mostly because it means fewer things to remember!
It also points out some pretty interesting – and unfortunate – discrepancies in how men and women are treated at the doctor.
And that includes this seemingly “helpful” heart test.
As it turns out, this common heart scan is practically USELESS… especially for women.
Yet that doesn’t stop mainstream docs from ordering it…
The heart test I’m referring to is called a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan. These scans have become a fairly cheap (around $100) and quick way to assess your risk of heart attack.
A coronary artery calcium test is designed to look for calcium in your heart. You see, calcium serves as a “patch” for damage done to coronary arteries (the main arteries that surround your heart).
You may already know that cholesterol can clog your arteries, but it builds up for a reason. Cholesterol repairs micro tears in the walls of the blood vessels, usually created by inflammation and oxidative damage. The cholesterol builds up and acts as a band-aid to seal the tear.
Well, researchers have found that calcium is also laid down to reinforce the cholesterol. So, if the scan spots large deposits of calcium “patches,” it could mean your arteries are blocked.
But it’s important to understand that calcium is a very late comer to the clogged artery party. This means that a CAC scan can’t really tell you how clogged your arteries are, only if you have late-stage disease.
And, according to a new study, published in the journal JAMA Cardiology, researchers found CAC scans score of zero don’t mean anything in women and younger adults.
In the study, many women and younger patients who had confirmed clogged arteries had a healthy score of zero when given a CAC scan.
So… is the test ever useful?
Many churches and community centers have begun offering CAC scans to help people assess their heart health. Because it is so inexpensive, I’d suggest getting it. The test does a good job of finding people with advanced disease.
Remember, if you get a zero score, this doesn’t mean you can eat anything you want – especially if you’re a woman. And it’s always a good idea to follow up with your doctor afterwards.
P.S. This study shows, again, why calcium should NOT be the best-selling supplement that it is. Consider replacing your calcium pill with THIS instead… your heart will thank you!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Nature’s Pharmacy Knocks Out Long COVID Symptoms
I’ve had many people ask me about Long COVID recently. It’s a big concern because it’s affecting more survivors than you might think. If you’re one of them—before you resign yourself to a life of lingering symptoms—there’s hope on the horizon… And it comes straight from Mother Nature herself. Recent data paints a sobering picture....
11 Hacks to Beat the Winter Blues
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, many of us find ourselves battling more than just the cold weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that strikes during fall and winter, affects millions each year. While the exact causes aren’t fully understood, experts say that seasonal changes disrupt our body’s circadian...
Mailbag: Halt Hair Loss Naturally
“I take a lot of vitamins, but my hair is falling out by the handfuls. I am 85 years old, but don’t have any major health problems that I know of.” – Hair Today Gone Tomorrow Hi Hair Today, I understand your concern about hair loss. Few things make us feel older than our years, quite...
5 Fall Foods to Supercharge Your Immune System
It starts with a tickle in the back of your throat… Or a little sniffle or sneeze—and before you know it, you’re knocked down for the count. Cold and flu season has arrived. If you’ve managed to escape these sneaky little viruses so far, let’s try to keep it that way. Because, let’s be honest,...
Common Chemicals Could Be Sabotaging Your Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Many of us blame common causes like afternoon coffee or evening screen time. But what if the real culprit is something you’d never expect—lurking right in your home? New research points to troubling evidence about how everyday chemicals could sabotage your shut-eye… Scientists have uncovered an alarming link between common...
The Forgotten Berry Your Bones Are Craving
Strawberries and blueberries rank first and second as America’s favorite berries. And, of course, cranberries shoot to the top of the list around this time of year. But there’s another underrated berry we should be giving a second look. Especially if you’re a senior concerned about your bone health. Because new research reveals this unassuming...
Gut Hack Helps You Avoid the Flu
Flu season hasn’t ramped up… yet. According to the CDC’s FluView, we’re still hovering at around one percent of the population testing positive for influenza. That’s fantastic news… but it doesn’t mean it’s time to rest. In fact, NOW is the time to prepare, because this is the calm before this season’s storm. As the...
Ditch “Calendar Age” to Live Longer and BETTER
“Age is just a number.” If we’ve heard that phrase once, we’ve heard it a thousand times. So, it’s easy to dismiss the thought. But the truth is, how old you feel is more critical than the number of candles on your birthday cake. Let me explain… Imagine the following scenario… Two 65-year-olds walk into...
5 Reasons to Eat MORE Pumpkin This Fall
When you think of fall, what comes to mind? Colorful leaves? Cozy sweaters? How about pumpkins? Sure, you probably carved one for Halloween, and you may bake a couple cans of it into a pie for Thanksgiving. But what if I told you that this humble squash could ALSO be your secret weapon for staying...
Mailbag: Break Free from Cholesterol Lowering Statins
“What’s my alternative to a statin drug for cholesterol control? I’ve been suggested to take Red Yeast Rice a natural cholesterol control. Best way to keep my arteries clear of plaque?” – Skipping Statins Hi Skipping, I don’t need to tell you how vital cardiovascular health is. However, the medical establishment insists that the only path...