Coronary Calcium Scans vs. Traditional Risk Scores: Which Better Predicts Who Needs Statins? New Study Weighs In
Groundbreaking Research Challenges How We Prescribe Cholesterol Medications
A landmark U.S. study is reshaping how doctors identify patients who truly benefit from statin therapy—medications used to lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease. Researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City are investigating whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans, a cutting-edge imaging tool, outperform traditional risk calculators in determining who needs these widely prescribed drugs.
Presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 2024 Scientific Sessions in Chicago, the interim findings reveal critical insights into personalized heart care—and why the stakes for accurate statin prescriptions have never been higher.
The CAC Scan: A Game-Changer for Heart Disease Prevention?
Unlike conventional risk assessments that rely on formulas (factoring in age, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels), the CAC scan uses a low-radiation CT imaging to detect calcium deposits in coronary arteries. These deposits signal plaque buildup, a direct indicator of atherosclerosis, which can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
“The big question is: Does visualizing plaque with a CAC scan provide clearer guidance than probability-based risk equations?” explains Dr. Jeffrey L. Anderson, lead investigator and cardiovascular expert at Intermountain Health. “If we can pinpoint who actually has developing heart disease, we can avoid over- or under-prescribing statins.”
Early Findings: Striking Differences in Statin Recommendations
With over 5,600 participants enrolled, the study’s preliminary data shows that while patients in both CAC and traditional assessment groups had similar baseline health profiles, statin recommendations varied significantly between the two methods.
- CAC-guided group: Treatment decisions were based on visible plaque burden.
- Traditional group: Risk was calculated using standard clinical factors.
While full results won’t be available until 2026, the team will track long-term outcomes, including heart attacks, strokes, deaths, and procedures like stents or bypass surgeries over seven years.
Why This Matters for Patients
Statins, though life-saving for many, aren’t one-size-fits-all. They carry potential side effects like muscle pain and a slight diabetes risk, along with costs. Overprescribing exposes patients to unnecessary risks, while underprescribing leaves others vulnerable to preventable heart disease.
“This isn’t just about numbers—it’s about matching the right treatment to the right patient,” says Dr. Anderson. “A CAC scan could offer a more precise window into someone’s actual heart health than estimates alone.”
What’s Next in Heart Disease Care?
The study’s conclusion in 2026 could redefine national guidelines for statin use. For now, the debate continues: Should CAC scans become routine in primary care, or are traditional tools sufficient?
Key Takeaways:
- CAC scans detect physical evidence of artery plaque, while traditional tools estimate risk mathematically.
- Interim data hints at divergent statin recommendations between methods.
- Personalized heart care may hinge on balancing imaging insights with clinical judgment.
As millions worldwide take statins, this research underscores a critical shift toward precision medicine—ensuring treatments align with individual patient needs, not just statistical probabilities.
For more updates on heart health breakthroughs, follow our wellness series or consult your healthcare provider about cardiovascular risk assessments.