People found to have high coronary artery calcium scores were sufficiently motivated to make lifestyle changes and take preventive medication.

The level of calcium in the coronary arteries is linked to the amount of vessel narrowing and to the risk of heart disease. It is now possible to measure the degree of calcification using fast computed tomography (CT) scans. Researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the US now report on the impact a high calcium score has on patients with no heart disease symptoms.

They found that 75 per cent in this group either changed their lifestyle or took preventive medication, like cholesterol-lowering drugs. Many did both. Tests before and after the calcium measurement revealed that the patients' cholesterol profile had improved, lowering their heart disease risk. For instance, 30 per cent of the group reduced their total and low density lipoprotein (LDL or 'bad') cholesterol by lifestyle changes alone after learning their coronary calcium levels.

Clearly this test is a great motivator for people at risk of heart disease. It is already widely available in the US in departments with a fast CT scanner and costs about 400 dollars. At present, it is not being paid for by medical insurance, although this may change with further proof of its utllity.

Source

Society of Interventional Radiology Meeting 31st March 2003