Know your heart disease risk with a calcium score test

Heart disease remains one of the leading health concerns worldwide, and Fiji is no exception.

With changing lifestyles and diets, many Fijians face risks to their heart health, often without symptoms until it’s too late.

That’s where the Calcium Score test comes in—a powerful tool that can help you understand your individual risk for heart disease well before any symptoms arise.

So, what exactly is a Calcium Score?

Calcium Score is a non-invasive heart scan that measures the amount of calcium deposits in the coronary arteries—the blood vessels that supply your heart muscle with oxygen-rich blood.

These calcium deposits form as a result of plaque buildup, which narrows the arteries and can eventually lead to heart attacks or other cardiac events.

The test uses a specialised CT scan to detect and quantify this calcium, providing a “score” that indicates the extent of plaque in your arteries.

The higher the score, the greater your risk of coronary artery disease.

Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospital  founder and chief executive officer Parvish Kumar has reduced the cost of this treatment from $409.71 to $200, saying he wants more people to come in and get tested.

Why does this matter for people in Fiji?

Traditional methods of assessing heart risk often rely on factors like age, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking, and family history.

While useful, these don’t always tell the full story. Many people with seemingly normal risk factors may still have significant artery plaque build-up. Calcium Score bridges that gap by giving a direct look at your arteries, helping doctors identify hidden risks early on.

At PSH Hospitals, we offer Calcium Score testing as part of our commitment to proactive cardiac care.

This test is quick, painless, and does not require any injections or special preparation.

It can be especially valuable for Fijians aged 40 and above, or anyone with a family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, or lifestyle factors like smoking and obesity.

How can knowing your calcium score help you?

With your Calcium Score in hand, your doctor can tailor a personalised plan to reduce your risk.

This might include lifestyle changes such as improved diet and exercise, medications to control cholesterol or blood pressure, or more frequent monitoring.

Early detection means more options and better chances of preventing heart attacks or other serious complications.

In a country such as Fiji, where access to healthcare can sometimes be limited, early risk detection through Calcium Score testing can save lives and reduce the burden on our healthcare system.

If you’re interested in taking control of your heart health, visit PSH Hospitals for more information about Calcium Score testing.

It’s a simple step that could make a big difference for you and your family.

Your heart is worth it. 

For more information about Calcium Score testing, visit PSH Hospitals at 107 Foster Road, Walu Bay, Suva, or 1 Legalega Road, Nadi, opposite Nadi International Airport.

(Dr. Sanson Feagaimoteata Fousaga is the Clinical Director and a leading Consultant Anaesthesiologist and Intensive Care Specialist at Pacific Specialist Healthcare (PSH) Hospitals.)