Calcium score, coaching, and statins may slow plaque buildup
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- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
For people with a family history of early heart disease, getting a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan plus intensive coaching and a statin may help limit plaque progression in their arteries, a new study finds.
CAC detects plaque inside the heart's arteries, which is quantified to create a score from zero to over 1,000. The study included 365 adults ages 40 to 70 with intermediate calcium scores (greater than 0 but less than 400). About half received a statin plus coaching and regular follow-ups from a nurse, which included viewing their calcium scans. The others, who had similar calcium scores but did not start statin therapy, received only standard health education and did not see their calcium scans. After three years, the first group had lower cholesterol levels and less plaque in their arteries than those in the second group. According to the authors, the findings support using CAC scores to assist prevention strategies in people at intermediate risk of heart disease. The study was published March 5, 2025, in JAMA.
Image courtesy of Ronald Blankstein, MD
About the Author
Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
About the Reviewer
Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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