Preventing Heart Disease and Stroke with DXA Scans

When it comes to assessing heart disease and stroke risk, early detection is key. While many traditional tests focus on blood pressure, cholesterol, and lifestyle factors, new technologies are emerging to identify more subtle cardiovascular risks. One such tool is the lateral DXA (Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry) scan, which is being used to detect abdominal aortic calcification (AAC)—a condition that can indicate a higher risk of heart disease and stroke.

What is Abdominal Aortic Calcification (AAC)?

The abdominal aorta is the largest artery in the abdomen, and when calcium deposits build up in its walls, it hardens, a condition known as arteriosclerosis. This calcification, known as abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), is a marker of aging and vascular damage. Over time, this hardening restricts blood flow, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular conditions. AAC is particularly common in older individuals and is associated with risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes.

How DEXA Scans Help Identify AAC

By focusing on the abdominal region, where the aorta is located, lateral DXA scans can identify even small amounts of calcification. Early detection of abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) provides a critical opportunity for preventive care, allowing healthcare providers to identify individuals at higher risk of heart disease and stroke before more severe symptoms develop.

In addition to detecting AAC, lateral DXA scans offer several advantages for assessing cardiovascular risk:

  • Non-Invasive and Low Radiation: With lower radiation exposure compared to CT scans, lateral DXA is a safer option for frequent screenings, particularly for older adults or those with existing cardiovascular risks.
  • Cost-Effective: Lateral DXA is a more affordable option than CT scans, making it accessible to a wider population and allowing more individuals to monitor their cardiovascular health without financial burden.
  • Early Risk Detection: Identifying AAC early signals arterial hardening, a condition that increases the likelihood of heart disease and stroke. By detecting this early, lateral DXA allows for proactive management, including lifestyle changes and medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • Comprehensive Assessment: In addition to assessing bone density, lateral DXA scans provide insights into visceral fat—fat around vital organs that is linked to cardiovascular disease. This combination of data on fat distribution and vascular calcification offers a more complete picture of heart health, enabling more targeted and personalized prevention strategies.
DEXA scan in Kelowna for heart and stroke risks

The Importance of Screening for AAC

Screening for abdominal aortic calcification is particularly important for individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, especially those over the age of 50, and those with conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol. The buildup of calcium in the abdominal aorta can signal the early stages of arterial hardening, and early detection through DEXA scans allows for preventive measures to reduce the risk of life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes.

By detecting AAC, healthcare providers can recommend additional tests or lifestyle changes to improve vascular health. Furthermore, the presence of AAC often indicates that other forms of vascular calcification, such as in the coronary arteries, may also be present. In such cases, additional screenings like blood tests, echocardiograms, or even CT scans may be recommended for a more thorough evaluation.

Take Proactive Action to Manage Your Heart & Stroke Risk

Lateral DXA scans are a powerful tool in assessing heart and stroke risk by detecting abdominal aortic calcification (AAC). Contact Dexacan in Kelowna today if you’d like to learn more or wish to schedule a DEXA scan to proactively support your cardiovascular and overall health.

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