CT scan predicts risk better than genetic score

of the American College of Cardiology ASCVD Risk Estimation Tool Measures the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. low risk This means less than a 5% chance of developing cardiovascular disease due to atherosclerosis in the next 10 years. Statins are recommended above the 7.5% moderate risk.

For the study, researchers looked at data from more than 3,200 middle-aged and older adults aged 45 to 79 from two groups in the United States and the Netherlands. All participants were of European descent, so results may not apply to other groups.

The researchers assessed participants’ risk of coronary heart disease using conventional risk factors.

Participants also underwent CT scans to determine coronary artery calcium scores and genetic testing to estimate polygenic risk scores.

Researchers followed people for up to 17 years, using regular face-to-face tests and phone check-ins.

Based on traditional factors, participants had an average cardiovascular disease risk of 6% to 7%, the researchers said. In contrast, about 8-9% of people developed heart disease during the follow-up period.

However, risk estimates were higher when researchers considered coronary artery calcium scores in conjunction with traditional factors. In contrast, genetic scores had no effect.

“This suggests that incorporating genetic information through polygenic risk scores may have limited clinical utility in predicting coronary heart disease risk compared to traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcium scores.” suggests that,” said Dr. Elliott J. EliasA cardiologist at the Baptist Health Miami Cardiovascular Institute told Healthline.

Elias, who was not involved in the new study, said further research is needed to determine how well the coronary artery calcium score predicts long-term outcome, as well as the cost-effectiveness and feasibility of this test in various healthcare settings. pointed out that it is necessary.

Further research is also needed to show whether improved heart disease risk assessment leads to better outcomes for individuals, the authors of the new study write.

For example, when doctors tell their patients this great risk, are they likely to take steps to reduce it, such as changing their diet, taking statins or blood pressure medications?

a 2022 survey Australian researchers have tried to answer this question.

Although the results of this study found the coronary artery calcium score to be useful in predicting heart disease risk, the authors say genetic scores may still be available.

“Polygenic risk scores and coronary artery calcium scores may each be clinically relevant at different life stages,” the researchers wrote.

Because the participants in this study were middle-aged and older, they likely had some calcium in the arteries around the heart, which is an early sign of heart disease.

But young adults may not have developed coronary artery calcium, the researchers said. In this case, the genetic score could identify people with a higher genetic risk of developing heart disease in the future.

Doctor. Mary GreenA cardiologist at Manhattan Heart, New York City, said a coronary artery calcium score test is already recommended for people at borderline to moderate risk of coronary artery disease. This test helps refine the risk assessment.

This recommendation is included in the 2019 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association. guidelines On prevention of cardiovascular disease.

“People over the age of 40 who have at least one cardiovascular risk factor should have a coronary artery calcium score,” Green told Healthline.

Risk factors may include:

• Family history of coronary artery disease
• heart attack
• sudden cardiac death
• personal history of hypertension
• high cholesterol
• type 2 diabetes
• peripheral arterial disease
• stroke

Obtaining a coronary artery calcium score in a potentially overlooked low-risk group, Dr. Green said, “provides an opportunity to proactively modify risk factors before overt clinical symptoms of heart disease occur.” is obtained.

“Additionally, seeing a cardiologist for risk stratification of heart disease should help identify all possible risk factors and manage those risk factors before overt clinical disease is diagnosed. will be possible,” she said.

People at high risk for heart disease (including those with a high genetic risk) can take the following steps: lower that risk.

“Taking proactive steps such as quitting smoking, adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight are key to lowering the risk of heart disease,” Elias said. Stated.

If your doctor has diagnosed health conditions such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol, managing these with lifestyle changes and medications can help lower your risk of heart disease.

Elias stressed that reducing your risk of heart disease is not something you do alone, it’s something you do together with your health care team.

“Encouraging patients to actively participate in their own treatment by implementing lifestyle modifications and adhering to prescribed treatments is essential for improving overall cardiovascular health. ‘ he said.

Health professionals evaluate people for heart disease by considering traditional factors such as age, gender, and blood pressure level.

While these traditional factors are helpful, they are not the only factors in determining heart disease risk. Other methods, such as genetic testing and CT scans, can help provide a more detailed picture of a person’s cardiovascular health.

A new study compares the use of CT scans and genetic testing to traditional factors and finds that CT scans are more effective in determining heart disease risk, but genetic scores are still useful. could be.

Healthy lifestyle choices, weight control, regular physical activity, and avoiding smoking can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular problems.