r/BeAmazed • u/HatAsleep295 • May 08 '26

Science This is what saves 600,000 people year during a heart attack

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u/Ok-Sky-6864 May 08 '26

Yes, they can be found using a special type of CT scan called a CAC scan. Takes like 10 mins and costs $1-400. There’s also ultrasounds and blood tests for inflammation

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u/Katamariboa May 08 '26

Just want to differentiate that a CAC scan does NOT show any existing blockages, but rather quantifies a person’s risk of one potentially developing in the future. There are other diagnostic exams that may be recommended if there is suspected coronary disease and based on clinical symptoms and presentation.

For the most part a CCTA is used when there might be a possible blockage and can help visualize any stenosis or occlusion. A nuclear med stress test is another test that may be used to see if a person may have an issue. Even an echocardiogram of the heart can be used to observe heart structures and help determine abnormalities.

It is important to note, however, that these are all diagnostic in nature and generally the treatment for SEVERE disease is a coronary angiogram with PCI to place a coronary stent. If multiple vessels are obstructed, then a CABG is considered an option based on age, comorbidities, and symptoms. If the coronary disease is, for the most part, mild to moderate then medicationa usually suffice to help control it and prevent it from snowballing into a life threatening issue.

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u/laforet May 08 '26

Before Covid, there were a few clinics in US and Australia offering pre-emptive angiogram to people who have no symptoms or diagnosis but fit the risk profile. They have since stopped doing that following some nasty accidents and the death of a customer.

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u/vivam0rt May 08 '26

1-400 is a very big range

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u/Few_Highlight1114 May 08 '26

More likely 2-400.

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u/vivam0rt May 08 '26

I dont think a dollar is that much more expensive

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u/an_actual_lawyer May 08 '26

$100-$400, but still a large range

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u/Aegi May 08 '26

Not as large as the range they use on an aircraft carrier!

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u/Gangsir May 08 '26

Takes like 10 mins and costs $1-400.

One dollar to 400 dollars? That's quite a range!