Calcium in Arteries Can Predict Heart Risk

Many people are prone or at risk for developing heart disease. In fact, studies show that many people have high blood pressure and are not even aware of this very important fact concerning their health. Often those people at the highest health risk do not display any obvious outward symptoms that would reflect their internal condition.

Recently, researchers found that calcium in arteries may predict heart risk. This is good news for those with health and heart problems. This test is called a computed tomography. Although many are pleased with the finding many naysayers wonder if the expensive test is really worth all the trouble because patients are exposed to an enormous degree of radiation during the tomography test.

Tomography uses very detailed x-rays taken of the heart to pinpoint disease. Controversy and concern are causing health practitioners to think twice about exposing their patients to this type of testing because of the high risk factors that show exposure to radiation causes cancer. The study was first started to determine if the computed tomography could predict heart risk factors. Of course, it is true that the controversial tomography test measures calcium in arteries and may predict heart risk. But does the risks outweigh any good factors. Many researchers firmly believe the test saves lives while others truly believe additional research is necessary.