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Minimal Calcified Coronary Atherosclerosis
(CAC score 1-10)
Our Cardiology Panel Report for Patients
and Physicians
Electron Beam (Ultrafast) CT examination of
the entire coronary system detected minimal calcified plaque "burden" at
this time.
A score indicating minimal calcified plaque
is very reassuring, especially if it is an amount typical or less than
average for age or sex. Although it is probable for other non-calcified
plaque to be present, it is very unlikely that" significant" fixed
obstructive coronary disease is present. The overall risk of cardiovascular
events in the foreseeable future is considered very low.
In most situations, continuing to follow
general public health guidelines for coronary prevention (a "heart-healthy
lifestyle") forms the mainstay of recommendations. Adequate exercise,
avoidance of tobacco, and favorable diet should be continued. There is
evidence that aspirin is beneficial.
If there is an elevation of cholesterol level
as a risk factor, your physician is best able to decide whether dietary
management or medications are appropriate. That often involves a review of
cardiac risk factors and recent cholesterol measurement to determine if
criteria for the use of cholesterol lowering medications have been met
according to national guidelines (NCEP) for primary coronary prevention.
In some younger men (below age 45) and middle
aged females (below age 55), a minimal amount of plaque (for example, a CAC
score of 9) may still be higher than 75% of age and sex matched peers. (This
will often be mentioned on the radiology report or derived from charts). In
those circumstances, the process of atherosclerosis (although not advanced)
is developing earlier or faster than is typical and may need attention. Your
physician may decide to consider further risk factor evaluation (e.g.,
sophisticated lipoprotein blood analysis) to help explain the findings. In
addition, if appropriate, counseling and additional risk factor modification
may be considered by your physician. Again, standard national guidelines for
cholesterol management will usually govern any decision for lipid-lowering
medications. Keep in mind that minimal calcification implies an overall good
prognosis since the risk for future coronary events is low.
Always remember that any chest or
cardiorespiratory systems (including chest pain or discomfort, shortness of
breath, etc.) may be serious and deserve clinical evaluation by a physician,
regardless of EBCT scores.
Front Range Preventive Imaging is a coronary
artery disease risk assessment testing facility only and cannot substitute
for a careful examination by a physician. All recommendations from our
center are suggestions based solely upon information supplied by the
conventional risk factor questionnaire and by EBCT scan results. The
patient's own physician is best able to make definitive therapeutic
decisions based upon careful history, physical, this report and other
testing, if necessary.
