Tanya's husband, Jeremy, passed away April of 2021 from a Widowmaker heart attack. The number one thing Tanya wants to achieve with this episode is helping to educate those you love around this topic. If you yourself have had any kind of heart issues, or someone in your family has, talk to your kids and then your grandkids and pass this information forward.
NOTE: Tanya is not a medical professional. Consult with your doctor on your heart health before modifying anything with your diet or health.
Tanya wants to share her husband's story in the hope that it will encourage other middle-aged men and women to get a heart scan (coronary calcium scan). This simple test could save your life or the life of someone you love.
What is Coronary Artery Disease?
Coronary artery disease is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. Over time, this plaque can harden and narrow the arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through. This can lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath, and, in some cases, a heart attack.
Unfortunately, coronary artery disease often has no symptoms in its early stages. This means that many people don't realize they have the condition until it's too late. That's why getting a heart scan is so important.
What is a Heart Scan?
A heart scan is a simple test that uses low-dose CT to take pictures of your heart and check for calcium deposits in your arteries. Calcium deposits are an early sign of coronary artery disease. If your test shows that you have calcium deposits, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a heart attack—but it does mean you're at higher risk and should take steps to reduce that risk.
Who Should Get a Heart Scan?
The American Heart Association recommends that all adults over the age of 40 get a heart scan every 5 years if they're at average risk for coronary artery disease or every 2 years if they're at high risk (due to factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, or family history). However, many insurance companies won't cover the cost of the test unless you're considered high risk—so be sure to check with your insurer before scheduling your appointment.
If you're over the age of 40 and have never had a heart scan (coronary calcium scan), I urge you to make an appointment with your doctor today. This simple test could save your life or the life of someone you love—as it nearly did for my husband. I hope our story will encourage others to get tested and help prevent needless tragedies like ours from happening again.
Learn More Here: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/heart-scan/about/pac-20384686
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