In addition, for selected low- and intermediate-risk patients, Fries suggests honing that assessment of risk further with a cardiac artery calcium (CAC) score. CAC scoring is a quick, noninvasive, non-contrasted CT scan of the chest and can be done at any radiology center. As we age, cholesterol plaque can develop in the arteries of the heart, and, as a protective mechanism, the body places calcium deposits around these plaques. CAC scoring has markedly improved our ability to accurately identify patients at very low risk for heart disease as well as identifying asymptomatic patients with a large burden of coronary artery disease that would otherwise go undetected. Cardiac calcium tests are not generally covered by insurance and cost about $100. While that initial cost may seem high, a normal CAC score may allow patients to avoid costly testing and potentially years of unnecessary medication down the road. Once you and your physician know your actual risk for heart disease, you can work together to manage those risks through lifestyle changes and, if necessary, medication. Remember, knowledge is power.<\/p>\n
B \u2013<\/strong> Blood pressure.<\/strong> High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease and often happens without symptoms. Generally, you want a blood pressure of less than 120\/80 for optimum heart health. For everyone with a blood pressure above 120\/80, blood pressure may be lowered by exercise, a low-salt diet, avoidance of NSAIDs and reduced alcohol consumption. The threshold for initiating medication in low-risk patients is 140\/90. For patients with established heart disease, or those at intermediate or high risk for heart disease, the threshold for starting a medication drops to 130\/80.<\/p>\n C \u2013 Cigarettes and cholesterol. <\/strong>Smoking cessation dramatically improves your heart health, as well as reducing your risk for other serious diseases like cancer. High cholesterol also increases your risk of heart disease. Treating high cholesterol again depends on your overall assessment (see A). Patients with a low risk may be able to avoid cholesterol\u2013<\/strong>lowering drugs but should focus on a heart-healthy diet and exercise. Intermediate- and high-risk patients, in addition to diet and exercise, may further benefit from prescription therapy to not only reduce their cholesterol, but more importantly reduce their risk for heart attack and stroke. Statins are the most prescribed cholesterol-lowering medication to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.<\/p>\n D \u2013 Diet. <\/strong>A heart-healthy diet is based on whole (unprocessed) foods, lean meat, fruits and vegetables, high-fiber grains and low-fat dairy. Think forks over knives \u2013 a diet with more fruits and vegetables and less meat. The Mediterranean diet has shown significant results in improving heart health. Visit the farmer\u2019s market for fresh produce. Avoid packaged goods with ingredients you can\u2019t pronounce. Eat foods as close to their original state as possible.<\/p>\n E \u2013 Exercise. <\/strong>You need 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise for good health. Split up that time in any way that works for you. And find ways to move that you enjoy. You don\u2019t need a gym membership or fancy exercise equipment. Take the dog for walks. Garden. Walk around the shopping mall. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Schedule a walking meeting with your colleagues. Swim in your pool.<\/p>\n The best way to stay heart healthy, according to Fries, is to know your risk and work with your physician to lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or sudden death from heart disease.<\/p>\n![\"David](\"https:\/\/www.ucf.edu\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/20\/files\/2025\/02\/UCF_David-Fries.jpeg\")