When incidental findings on scans reveal hidden heart disease
Imaging tests such as CT scans and mammograms can offer clues about the health of your heart's arteries.
- Reviewed by Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Liz, an artist living in North Carolina, had a CT scan several years ago to evaluate a torn muscle in her upper abdomen. The radiologist’s report included some additional concerning information: “Coronary arterial calcification much greater than expected for patient’s age.” Calcification is a marker for heart disease, since the fat-laden plaque that accumulates inside arteries often contains calcium, which is visible on CT scans. Liz, who was 56 at the time, consulted a cardiologist about the discovery. Four years later, she had bypass surgery to treat two severely narrowed coronary arteries.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online Plus (HHO+) to unlock expert-backed health insights, personalized tools, and exclusive resources to feel your best every day.
Here’s what you get with your HHO+ membership:
- Unlimited access to all Harvard Health Online content
- 4 expertly curated newsletters delivered monthly
- Customized website experience aligned to your health goals
- In-depth health guides on topics like sleep, exercise, and more
- Interactive features like videos and quizzes
- Members-only access to exclusive articles and resources
I’d like to subscribe to HHO+ for $4.99/month to access expert-backed content to help make smart, informed decisions about my well-being.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
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
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
