Page 10 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller Should You Get a Heart Calcium Scan? Dear Savvy Senior, I just turned 58 and heart disease runs in my family. My cholesterol has been creeping up, and I’ve been hearing about a scan that can show your actual heart risk. Is that something I should look into? --Heart Worried Dear Worried, You’re smart to think about this now. For years, cholesterol numbers have been the main way to estimate heart disease risk. But there’s another tool gaining attention that can offer a more direct look: a coronary artery calcium scan, or CAC scan. This quick, noninvasive test looks for actual plaque buildup in your heart’s arteries, not just the risk of developing it. Here’s why that matters. High cholesterol suggests you might develop heart disease someday. But calcium in your arteries means some disease is already present. The higher your calcium score, the greater your risk of a future heart attack or stroke. That makes this test especially useful for people like you with a family history and borderline numbers. How it works A CAC scan is a specialized CT scan that takes about 10 minutes and doesn’t require needles or dyes. You simply lie on a table while the scanner takes images of your heart. It uses a small amount of radiation, similar to a mammogram. The result is a calcium score that reflects how much plaque is in your arteries: • A score of zero means no detectable plaque. • A score from 1 to 100 indicates mild plaque. • A score from 100 to 299 suggests moderate buildup. • A score of 300 or higher points to more serious disease. This number gives you and your doctor something concrete to work with. Instead of guessing about your risk, you can make more confident decisions about whether to start a statin or focus on lifestyle changes alone. Who needs it Not everyone needs a CAC scan. It’s most helpful for adults over 40 who have some risk factors, like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, but aren’t clearly high or low risk. If your risk level is uncertain or you’re hesitant about taking a statin, the scan can help break the tie. It can also be a strong wake-up call. Many people who see plaque on their scan are more motivated to take medication, improve their diet, lose weight, and stay active. Getting one CAC scans are widely available at hospitals and imaging centers that offer CT services. You’ll usually need a doctor’s order, but some centers offer self-pay screenings you can schedule yourself. The scan typically costs about $75 to $200 out of pocket and usually isn’t something you need to repeat very often. Results are often available quickly, sometimes within a day or two. A couple of caveats: A score of zero doesn’t mean you have no risk, and the test isn’t meant for diagnosing symptoms like chest pain. It’s just one piece of the puzzle and should be considered along with your overall health picture. Given your age, family history, and slightly elevated cholesterol, a CAC scan could be a very useful next step. It’s worth having a conversation with your doctor to see if it makes sense for you. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 17, 2026 RUNNER | FROM PAGE 1 All-American status in THREE events when she finished eighth in the 400 meter Freshman National race, where she ran at 55.62 seconds. That event was won by Mya Arrendell of Bullis Track Club, Potomac, Md., at 52.88 seconds. In the 100 meter, it was a remarkable finish for Diagne in that it was another personal best, and the first time she has ever broken the 12.00 seconds mark. She had won the MIAA Division 2 State Championship in the 100-meter with a time of 12.29 seconds in May. Diagne’s triumphant MIAA State Championship run in May was a revelation, as she won state titles three times: in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter events. In the 200 meter, she was MIAA Division 2 State Champion with a 24.59 seconds victory. She also was second overall in Massachusetts with a 24.02 seconds finish on June 4 at the Meet of Champions (All Divisions). Diagne was also MIAA Division 2 State Champion in the 400 meter event with a 56.04 seconds finish. With a personal best 54.96 seconds finish in the Meet of Champions on June 6, she placed second. Diagne’s accolades from the regular season for participation for Malden High School in the Greater Boston League (GBL) included being named Most ValuCITY OF MALDEN Forest Dale Cemetery 150 Forest Street Malden, MA 02148 Telephone: 781-397-7191 / Fax: 781-388-0849 Christopher Rosa., Superintendent of Cemeteries / Tree Warden LEGAL NOTICE CITY OF MALDEN PUBLIC TREE HEARING In accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 87, Section 3, notice is herewith given that a public hearing will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Wednesday, the 29th day of July 2026 at Malden City Hall Conference Room 108, 215 Pleasant Street, Malden, Massachusetts for the purpose of determining if the four (4) public shade trees shall be removed or remain per the Tree Warden of the City of Malden. The trees are located at or around the address identified below: Address Street 608 HIGHLAND AVE. 618 HIGHLAND AVE. 618 HIGHLAND AVE. 20 WILEY STREET DBH (IN) 11 33 19 22 Common Name PIN OAK PIN OAK PIN OAK PIN OAK OBJECTIONS TO THE REMOVAL OF ANY TREE(S) MUST BE RECEIVED IN WRITING BY THE TREE WARDEN AT THE ABOVE LISTED ADDRESS PRIOR TO OR AT THE TREE HEARING. able Player in the GBL for her running exploits, where she established school records in the 100 meter, 200 meter and 400 meter. Diagne was also named to the Eastern Mass. All-Scholastic Outdoor Track Team by both The Boston Globe and the Boston Herald, the first Malden High School student-athlete ever to be so honored. “It has been just remarkable how much success Khadijah [Diagne] has attained and how much honor she has brought to our school, our city and her family,” said Malden Public Schools Athletic Director Charlie Conefrey. “She certainly has a bright future ahead of her.” Christopher Rosa Tree Warden – City of Malden July 17, 24, 2026
11 Publizr Home