TODAY’S DOSE OF HONESTY

The Heart Test Every Woman Should Know: The Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Score

As we prepare to enter February, which is Go Red for Women Month for Heart Disease Awareness, I wanted to share some truly life-saving information about a vastly underutilized test for women—the Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) score. As the daughter of a cardiologist, heart disease was quite literally dinner table conversation when I was growing up. Yet, many people don’t realize that heart disease is the number one cause of death among both women and men.

Today, it’s on the Ajenda, and my Dose of Honesty focuses on a test you need to know about.

A Coronary Artery CT scan measures the amount of calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart. The test takes approximately 20-30 minutes, involves a small amount of radiation exposure, and requires an IV contrast injection. Additionally, a medication to slightly slow the heart rate is administered. Otherwise, it is a quick, easy, and painless test. Recent studies have provided valuable insights into the role of CAC testing in assessing cardiovascular risk among women over 50.

Key Insights:

• Prevalence of CAC in Postmenopausal Women: Research shows that coronary artery calcification often becomes detectable around age 50. A study found that among postmenopausal women (average age 62), 57% had a CAC score of 0. However, over a six-year period, 36% of these women developed new CAC, highlighting the progression of coronary calcification with age.

• CAC Score and Mortality Risk: The CAC score is a significant predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. A CAC score of 0 is associated with a low risk of CVD-related death. However, as the score increases, so does the risk. For example, a CAC score of 115 at age 50 correlates with a higher risk of CVD mortality compared to cancer mortality.

• Impact of Hormone Therapy: The Women’s Health Initiative found that estrogen therapy in postmenopausal women was associated with lower mean CAC scores compared to placebo, suggesting a potential protective effect against coronary calcification.

Actionable Takeaways:

1. Consider CAC Testing: Women over 50, especially those with risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, should discuss the potential benefits of CAC testing with their healthcare provider.

2. Monitor and Manage Risk Factors: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by managing blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and avoiding smoking can help slow the progression of coronary artery calcification.

3. Evaluate Hormone Therapy: Postmenopausal women should consult their healthcare providers about the risks and benefits of hormone therapy in relation to heart health.

Resources for Women Interested in CAC Testing:

1. American Heart Association: Comprehensive information on heart disease in women and the role of CAC testing.

2. Mayo Clinic: Detailed explanations of CAC scoring and what the results may indicate.

3. Society of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography: Resources to locate CAC testing facilities and learn more about the procedure.

One of the greatest values of CAC testing is its role in determining whether a statin is necessary based on LDL cholesterol levels. For example, if your LDL is 130 (normal is less than 100) and your CAC score is 0, focusing on diet and exercise may be sufficient. However, if your LDL is 130 and your CAC score is elevated, a statin may be recommended in addition to lifestyle changes, warranting a more aggressive approach.

At your next appointment with your primary care physician or cardiologist, ask about a CAC test. By staying informed and proactive, women over 50 can take charge of their cardiovascular health and make empowered decisions about their care.

SYMPTOM SOLUTIONS

A Happy Gut = A Healthier You: Simple Ways to Eat More Fermented Foods

Gut health is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of overall well-being. Your microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion, immune function, metabolism, hormone regulation, and even mood. In a previous newsletter, I discussed how diet, exercise, and sleep impact gut health and recommended Seed’s DS-01® Daily Synbiotic as a high-quality supplement to support microbiome balance.

Since then, I’ve received a lot of questions from you about easy ways to incorporate gut-friendly foods into your diet. While supplements can be beneficial, food is always the foundation of good gut health. One of the best ways to naturally nourish your gut is by eating fermented foods, which are packed with probiotics that support digestion and microbiome diversity.

That’s where Cultured Carrot’s fermented dressings come in—they make it incredibly easy to add probiotics to your meals without extra effort and without eating kimchi or sauerkraut, which not everyone may love. On a recent trip to Austin, while visiting my stepdaughter, I came across Cultured Carrot at a local farmers’ market. After sampling their dressings, I absolutely loved them—not only for their gut-friendly benefits but also because they provide a delicious, convenient way to incorporate fermented foods into everyday meals.

Co-founded by Palak Sadarangani and Kristin Simpson, Cultured Carrot is a woman-owned business that combines nutritional science with great taste—a win-win! I recently reached out to Palak to discuss her journey and the inspiration behind her brand.

1. What inspired you to create these fermented dressings?

We were amazed at the exploding amount of information about the microbiome, gut health and the amazing benefits of fermented foods and we knew there had to be a better way to get them onto our plates and into our family’s tummies. That’s when the idea was born to create fermented vegetable dressings. It’s the new revolution of fermentation, making traditional ferments more convenient and bringing them to today’s busy modern tables.

2. There’s so much focus on pure ingredients today. How do you source yours?

We source 90% of our ingredients from local farms. They are made with only pure avocado oil, are raw, dairy and gluten-free, vegan, gut-friendly and taste delicious. Each gorgeous bottle is bursting with color from phytonutrients and the amazing biodiversity of functional microbes.

The dressings capture all the goodness of organic fermented vegetables using traditional vegetable preservation. They are pre+probiotic rich and abundantly nutritious to truly nourish gut, body and mind. 

3. What are some easy recipe or meal ideas for incorporating these dressings to help people get more probiotics in their diet? 

All of our dressing are easy to incorporate into your everyday. All the flavors taste great and go well on salads but can also be used on tacos, eggs, wraps or as a spread on your sandwiches. It’s a great way to up our gut health and get a diversity of fermented vegetables in each meal.

COMMUNITY

Breaking the Silence on Menopause: Dr. Mary Claire Haver’s Mission to Empower Women

They say 'everything is bigger in Texas' and when it comes to educating women about menopause, one of the 'biggest' books to hit the shelves this past year, belongs to Galveston-based OBGYN, Dr. Mary Claire Haver.  In her recent book, The New Menopause, she gives you a deep dive into the latest research, data, and approaches to managing menopause whether you are suffering with extreme symptoms or barely notice a thing. She discusses hormonal, non-hormonal and behavioral strategies to navigate menopause, which produces symptoms in approximately 85% of women, and she does it in a very straightforward manner. Dr Haver goes head to toe with an explanation and description of the full gamut of menopausal symptoms and includes lots of ‘real women stories’ of her patients’ experiences with menopause to keep the reading personal, whilst staying scientific.

The NY Times bestselling author says that her mission to help over 1 million American women a year through this major reproductive stage in life was partially motivated by her own experience, in combination with the fact that even after well over a decade in private practice, she had received little formal training in menopause, and felt helpless in helping her patients. (I had the same experience!)

“For The New Menopause, I wanted to create the resource I wish I had during my own menopause transition. Too many women face this life stage feeling unprepared, unsupported, and confused by conflicting information,” Dr. Haver says. “My goal with this book is to demystify menopause, empower women with science-backed knowledge, and help them confidently embrace the changes they’re going through. I hope readers walk away feeling seen, validated, and equipped to take charge of their health—both during menopause and for the many years that follow.”

Looking for a science-backed guide to menopause? The New Menopause is a must-read. Click below to learn more and take control of your health with confidence.

OUR CORE EXPERT

Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD, FACOG, CMP, is a board-certified Obstetrics and Gynecology specialist, a Certified Menopause Practitioner from The Menopause Society (formerly the North American Menopause Society (NAMS)), a Certified Culinary Medicine Specialist, and a passionate entrepreneur and best-selling author with a focus on women's health. Dr. Haver graduated from Louisiana State University Medical Center and completed her Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). Dr. Haver is leading the conversation about changing menopause healthcare. She founded The 'Pause Life, a comprehensive approach to menopause education and support, using techniques that focus on overall lifestyle, helping women reach their best-feeling selves. Additionally, she is the author of the New York Times bestseller, The New Menopause. 

ABOUT DR. JEN

In her former roles as chief medical correspondent for ABC News and on-air cohost of “GMA3: What You Need to Know,” Dr. Jennifer Ashton—”Dr. Jen”—has shared the latest health news and information with millions of viewers nationwide. As an OB-GYN, nutritionist, and board-certified obesity medicine specialist, she is passionate about promoting optimal health for “the whole woman.” She has authored several books, including the national best-seller, The Self-Care Solution: A Year of Becoming Happier, Healthier & Fitter—One Month at a Time. And she has gone through menopause…

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