How DEXA Scans Predict Cardiovascular Risk

Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans have long been associated with bone health, particularly osteoporosis. However, recent research is uncovering a deeper connection between this diagnostic tool and cardiovascular health. Proactive DEXA scans are emerging as a potential game-changer in preventing heart disease, the leading cause of death globally.

The Link Between Bone Health and Heart Health

The connection between bone and cardiovascular health might seem surprising, but the two systems are intricately linked. Both rely on a complex interplay of hormones, minerals, and inflammatory processes. Studies have shown that individuals with low bone density or bone mineral density (BMD) are at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality.

This is because lower BMD can lead to stiffer arteries, which can be a sign of poor heart health. People with poor bone quality also have a higher risk of dying from coronary heart disease, which can cause irregular heartbeats called atrial fibrillation (AF). Find out about your bone health by filling up this online questionnaire.

DEXA Scans and Cardiovascular Care

A DEXA or DXA scan uses low-dose X-rays to measure bone mineral density (BMD). It provides detailed information about bone mass, thickness, and composition. While its primary focus has been on osteoporosis, the scan also generates data on body composition, including fat mass and lean muscle mass, which can be especially useful for athletes and those who are looking to lose weight.

The Role of DEXA Scans in Cardiovascular Care

Beyond bone density, DXA scans can be useful for understanding your body and may offer valuable insights into other cardiovascular risk factors.

Body Composition: DXA scans can accurately measure body fat distribution, which can help supercharge your weight loss. Excess abdominal fat, often referred to as visceral fat, is strongly linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
Muscle Mass: Lean muscle mass is crucial for metabolic health, particularly for those looking to enhance their athletic performance. DXA scans can assess muscle mass, providing information about an individual’s overall metabolic profile.
Inflammation Marker: Some research suggests that lower bone density might be a marker of systemic inflammation, a key contributor to heart disease.

Benefits of Proactive DXA Scans For Cardiovascular Health

Early detection is crucial for preventing heart disease. Proactive DEXA scans can help identify individuals at risk before symptoms appear.

Personalized Prevention: By assessing bone health, body composition, and potential inflammation, DEXA scans can help tailor prevention strategies.
Lifestyle Modifications: For those at risk, lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, and weight management can be implemented early on to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Medication Management: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage risk factors identified through DEXA scans.
Monitoring Progress: Regular DXA scans can track changes in bone density, body composition, and overall cardiovascular health over time.

DXA Scan from DEXACAN

Contact Dexacan online today to learn how you can proactively predict your cardiovascular risk and improve your overall health by harnessing the power of DEXA body composition scan. We offer multiple plans for you to choose from, including the Heart Disease & Stroke Risk Assessment, which can help detect and identify individuals who are higher-risk for heart disease by assessing Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC). This assessment includes a radiologist report and a consultation with our doctor to review the findings. In addition to recommendations and medical interventions, the physician may also provide advice on lifestyle modifications that can help manage or prevent specific medical conditions.