You only have one heart. How can you learn more about it and help protect it from heart disease? One way is to know your coronary calcium score. “Think of coronary calcium scoring as a source of information that allows you and your provider to make decisions about your future heart health,” says Cardiologist Naginder Sharma, MD, at Texas Health Huguley Hospital. A look inside your arteries Coronary calcium scoring starts with a noninvasive CT scan. It’s quick, painless and requires no special preparation. The scan looks for microscopic amounts of calcium in your coronary arteries, which supply your heart with blood. These calcium deposits may be a sign of coronary artery disease. The amount of calcium found informs your calcium score. “The usual treatment is lifestyle changes for anyone with a score above 0,” Dr. Sharma says. For example, your doctor may recommend exercising regularly and eating better. If your calcium score is 100 or above, your provider may recommend medication, such as a cholesterol-lowering statin. A very high calcium score might also mean you need additional No doubt about it—allergies can make us miserable. But what exactly are they? “Allergies are when your immune system reacts to foreign substances, or proteins, that get into your body,” says Family Medicine Physician Olayemi Chukwuogo, MD. “These proteins are generally harmless. But if they cause an adverse reaction from your immune system, then you have an allergy. And the things you are allergic to are called allergens.” Some common allergens are pollen, pet dander, insect stings, Accepting new patients! See what appointment times are available and schedule your visit with Dr. Chukwuogo at TexasHealthHuguley.org/Chukwuogo. Understanding allergies mold, certain foods, latex and dust. People affected usually get mild to moderate symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, a runny nose or a skin rash. The most severe allergic reaction is life-threatening anaphylaxis, which can happen with food, bee sting, medication or latex allergies. Its symptoms include trouble breathing and a swollen throat and mouth— reasons to call 911. Get a skin or blood allergy test, and then “stay away from the allergen,” Dr. Chukwuogo urges. Your doctor can help you plan to avoid your allergens and advise you on medicines, which may include an epinephrine injector to use in case of anaphylaxis. What’s your coronary calcium score? testing, like a stress test, notes Dr. Sharma. You should consider having a calcium scan if you’re at moderate risk for heart disease but have no symptoms. For example, you could be in this category if you have diabetes, high cholesterol or a family history of heart disease. Ask your primary care provider if a coronary calcium scan is right for you. Put your heart in skilled hands TexasHealthHuguley.org/Heart 4 TexasHealthHuguley.org
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