New research suggests a proactive approach to heart health-specifically, knowing your coronary artery calcium (CAC) score-could be a game-changer, especially for those wiht a family history of heart disease. A randomized trial is shedding light on whether identifying and addressing plaque buildup *before* symptoms arise can actually slow its progression.
Can a Simple Scan Prevent Heart Disease Progression?
A new study explores whether knowing your CAC score, combined with treatment, can halt the advance of plaque in those predisposed to coronary artery disease.
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring is valuable for assessing risk, particularly in individuals with intermediate risk or a family history of coronary artery disease.
- The CAUGHT-CAD trial investigated whether combining CAC scores with treatment could prevent plaque progression in familial coronary artery disease.
- While not definitive,the trial suggests that receiving appropriate treatment could slow the buildup of plaque in their arteries. The trial involved 1403 participants, as detailed in Nerlekar N, Vasanthakumar SA, Whitmore K, et al. Effects of combining coronary Calcium Score With Treatment on Plaque Progression in Familial Coronary Artery Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2025;333(16):1403-1412. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.0584.
A: A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score measures the amount of calcium deposits in your arteries. Higher scores generally indicate a greater risk of future heart events, like a heart attack.
The findings build on a growing movement toward a more proactive, “see disease, treat disease” approach to cardiovascular prevention, as highlighted by Nasir K, Blankstein R. Transforming the cardiovascular Disease Prevention Paradigm: See Disease, Treat Disease. JAMA. 2025;333(16):1398-1400. doi:10.1001/jama.2025.2323. This contrasts with customary methods that frequently enough rely on cholesterol levels and other risk factors to guide treatment decisions.
However, as Michael J. Blaha, MD, points out in an accompanying editorial in JAMA Cardiology (Blaha MJ. Filling the Evidence Gaps Toward a Coronary Artery Calcium-Guided Primary Prevention Strategy. JAMA Cardiol. 2025;10(5):411-413.doi:10.1001/jamacardio.2025.0410), more research is needed to fully establish the role of CAC scoring in primary prevention. A larger, more comprehensive randomized trial is crucial to confirm these initial findings and refine guidelines for clinical practice.
The CAUGHT-CAD trial represents a significant step forward in understanding how we can best protect against heart disease,particularly for those who are genetically predisposed. It underscores the potential benefits of early detection and targeted intervention.
What are your thoughts on proactive heart health screening? Share your perspective in the comments below.
