Does a CAC-Informed Prevention Strategy Lead to Slower Progression of Atherosclerosis?

Possibly, but more than anything, this study reinforces the fact that statin therapy slows progression of atherosclerosis.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is recommended in patients at intermediate risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) to further stratify risk. In this randomized trial, investigators evaluated whether a CAC-informed prevention strategy could slow progression of atherosclerosis compared with usual care.

The study involved 365 asymptomatic individuals (mean age, 58; 42% women) who had a family history of premature CAD, were statin-naive at baseline, were at intermediate risk for CAD according to the Australian risk calculator, and had a CAC score that was >0 and <400. All participants underwent coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) at baseline and 3 years later. In the intervention group, nurses showed individuals their CT images …

Reviewing Author

Karol E. Watson, MD, PhD, FACC

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBoehringer Ingelheim; Amgen; Novartis; Lilly; Amarin

Speaker’s BureauBoehringer Ingelheim

Grant/Research SupportNIH

Editorial BoardsCirculation (Associate Editor)