Unlocking Heart Health through AI: The Promise of Coronary Artery Calcium Scores
Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) testing is an underutilized method for assessing heart attack risk. By highlighting the lifecycle of plaque build-up, CAC testing provides crucial insight into cardiac health. Here’s why it matters:
- Predictive Power: CAC identifies stable calcified plaque but indicates the potential presence of rupturable, high-risk plaque.
- Access Expansion: New algorithms can derive CAC scores from routine chest CT scans, enhancing accessibility for patients and doctors.
- Growing Support: Expert groups are beginning to endorse CAC scoring, shifting the narrative from “worried well” to essential screening.
However, challenges remain. Concerns about standard procedures and effective follow-up loom large. Without a clear path for action, we risk generating more questions than answers.
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