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Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance PodcastAuthor: Chris Huff MD, Doctor Podcast Network
Dr. Chris Huff, an interventional cardiologist, is here to help you master heart health. With a focus on prevention, this podcast offers real advice on how to eat better, exercise smarter, and understand your medical check-ups. Dr. Huff breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable steps, helping you live a healthier, longer life with a strong heart. Perfect for anyone looking to improve their well-being. Language: en Genres: Fitness, Health & Fitness, Nutrition Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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#42: Abnormal Calcium Score…Now What?
Episode 42
Saturday, 17 January, 2026
Many people are either terrified by a non-zero calcium score or falsely reassured by a score of zero. Neither reaction is helpful.In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff breaks down the science behind coronary artery calcium scoring and explains why it has emerged as one of the strongest predictors of cardiovascular risk—often outperforming traditional risk factors. You’ll learn how atherosclerosis develops, why calcium represents plaque burden and chronicity rather than blockage, and how age, fitness level, and lifestyle influence how scores should be interpreted.Dr. Huff also explains when calcium scoring is appropriate, when coronary CT angiography (CCTA) makes more sense, and why repeat calcium scans are rarely helpful once plaque is detected. The focus throughout is not on chasing numbers, but on using the right information to prevent heart attacks before they happen.—This episode is sponsored by Lightstone DIRECT. Lightstone DIRECT invites you to partner with a $12B AUM real estate institution as you grow your portfolio. Access the same single-asset multifamily and industrial deals Lightstone pursues with its own capital – Lightstone co-invests a minimum of 20% in each deal alongside individual investors like you. You’re an institution. Time to invest like one.What Listeners Will LearnWhat a coronary artery calcium score measures—and what it doesn’tWhy calcium reflects plaque burden and chronicity, not obstructionHow age affects calcium score interpretationWhy endurance athletes may have higher calcium scores Who should consider a calcium score and who should notWhen CCTA is more appropriate than a calcium scoreHow calcium scores guide lipid targets and prevention strategiesWhen aspirin may (and may not) provide benefitWhy routine stress testing is not required for most elevated scoresWhy serial calcium testing is rarely recommendedKey TakeawayA calcium score doesn’t diagnose blockages—but it tells you whether atherosclerosis is already present. Used correctly, it is a powerful tool to guide prevention and reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.Episodes Referenced in This EpisodeDr. Huff references earlier episodes that explore atherosclerosis and lipidology in greater depth:Episode 2: Understanding Your Cholesterol Profile and How It Affects Your Heart Healthhttps://www.premiercardiohealth.com/podcast/episode/38843943/2-understanding-your-cholesterol-profile-and-how-it-affects-your-heart-healthEpisode 4: Common Cardiovascular Conditions, Risk Factors, Screening, and Modern Treatment Optionshttps://www.premiercardiohealth.com/podcast/episode/1c983f10/4-common-cardiovascular-conditionsrisk-factors-screening-and-modern-treatment-optionsEpisode 11: Advanced Lipidology for Cardiovascular Care (with Dr. Thomas Dayspring)https://www.premiercardiohealth.com/podcast/episode/f9382274/11-advanced-lipidology-for-cardiovascular-careResources & Evidence MentionedGuidelines & Consensus StatementsGrundy, S. M., Stone, N. J., Bailey, A. L., et al. (2019).2018 AHA/ACC/AACVPR/AAPA/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA guideline on the management of blood cholesterol. Circulation, 139(25), e1082–e1143.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000625Arnett, D. K., Blumenthal, R. S., Albert, M. A., et al. (2019).2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 140(11), e596–e646.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIR.0000000000000678Coronary Artery Calcium & Risk PredictionBudoff, M. J., Young, R., Burke, G., et al. (2018).Ten-year association of coronary artery calcium with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease events: The MESA study. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 72(10), 1217–1226.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.07.007Blaha, M. J., Cainzos-Achirica, M., Greenland, P., et al. (2016).Role of coronary artery calcium score of zero and other negative risk markers for cardiovascular disease. Circulation, 133(9), 849–858.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.115.018524Aspirin & Primary PreventionMiedema, M. D., Duprez, D. A., Misialek, J. R., et al. (2014).Use of coronary artery calcium testing to guide aspirin utilization for primary prevention. Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes, 7(3), 453–460.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCOUTCOMES.113.000690Cainzos-Achirica, M., Miedema, M. D., McEvoy, J. W., et al. (2020).Coronary artery calcium for personalized allocation of aspirin in primary prevention. Circulation, 141(19), 1541–1553.https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.119.044243U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. (2022).Aspirin use to prevent cardiovascular disease. JAMA, 327(16), 1577–1584.https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2022.4983Lipids, Statins & Plaque BiologyPuri, R., Nicholls, S. J., Shao, M., et al. (2015).Impact of statins on serial coronary calcification. Journal of the American College of Cardiology, 65(13), 1273–1282.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jacc.2015.01.036Lifestyle & ExerciseEstruch, R., Ros, E., Salas-Salvadó, J., et al. (2018).Primary prevention of cardiovascular disease with a Mediterranean diet. New England Journal of Medicine, 378, 2441–2449.https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa1800389Hsu, J., et al. (2025).Paradox of exercise and coronary artery calcification: Potential underlying mechanisms. Circulation Research, 137, 335–349.Let’s Connect:Work with Dr. Chris Huff: Premier Cardiovascular HealthFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480Instagram: @hufcm Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.
