What's Happening?
A recent study presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 has found that the coronary artery calcium (CAC) score, traditionally used to predict coronary artery disease risk, may
also indicate a person's overall health and risk of death from non-cardiovascular causes. Researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City analyzed medical records of 40,018 patients, finding that those with any level of CAC were 2 to 3 times more likely to die from all causes compared to those with no CAC. The study suggests that CAC scores could provide insights into broader health issues, as plaque buildup in the heart may reflect similar conditions elsewhere in the body.
Why It's Important?
The findings could have significant implications for healthcare, as CAC scores are already widely available and non-invasive. If further research confirms these results, CAC scores could become a valuable tool for assessing overall health risks, beyond just heart disease. This could lead to earlier interventions and potentially improve patient outcomes by identifying individuals at higher risk of mortality from various causes. The study highlights the need for a broader understanding of how cardiovascular health indicators can reflect general health conditions.
What's Next?
Researchers plan to further investigate the link between CAC scores and non-heart-related mortality to understand the underlying mechanisms. This could lead to the development of new guidelines for using CAC scores in routine health assessments, potentially influencing public health policies and clinical practices. The study opens the door for more comprehensive health evaluations using existing cardiovascular tests.
