CT scan predicts risk of death for heart patients

Posted on 2008-10-07 07:06:41 in Cardio-Vascular | X-ray/MRI/imaging |

Cardiac computed tomography (CTA) may be able to help doctors estimate suspected coronary artery disease patients' chances of dying within the next 15 years, say researchers.

Dr Matthew Budoff and colleagues at UCLA Medical Center studied 2,538 adults (average age of 59) with suspected coronary artery disease to determine whether CTA was an accurate predictor of all-cause mortality.

During the 15-year study period 86 participants died. Study results showed that death was most common in participants with severe coronary artery disease, as revealed by the CTA scan. This finding held true even after participants' age, gender, and conventional risk factors for coronary heart disease were taken into account.

However, in an accompanying editorial, Stephen Achenbach, MD, writes that "the results do not justify" the use of CTA scans for people without symptoms of heart disease.

Ostrom MP, Gopal A, Ahmadi N, Nasir K, Yang E, Kakadiaris I, Flores F, Mao SS, Budoff MJ. Mortality incidence and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed by Computed Tomography Angiography. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52:1335-1343.

Achenbach S. Assessing the prognostic value of coronary Computed Tomography Angiography. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2008;52:1344-1346.

 

Health Headlines MORE »

Fiber May Reduce Breast Cancer Risk
For every 10 g per day increase in soluble fiber intake, a woman may reduce her risk of breast cancer by up to 26%.
Soy Protein Boosts Brain Function
Peptides from soybeans modulate neurotransmitters, thereby helping to boost circulation in the brain.
Pepper Compounds for Weight Management
Capsaicin (found in hot peppers) and capsiates (present in sweet peppers) exert modest weight management benefits.
Americans Lag in Preventive Screenings
While over 20% of U.S. adults receive periodic health examinations each year, many do not receive recommended preventive screening tests and counseling services
The Stress – Obesity Connection
Researchers from Norway suggest a mechanism by which stress may make a person fat, and being obese may create stress.
Lack of Sleep Triggers Hunger
Swedish researchers report that people who are short on sleep experience greater levels of hunger.
Knock Out Anxiety
Among women with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), regular physical activity helps to reduce anxiety, irritability, feelings of tension, low energy and pain.
Magnesium Helps to Reduce Stroke Risk
For every 100 mg per-day increase in magnesium in the diet, stroke risk may decline by up to 9%.
Senior Runners Continue to Excel
The best male marathon runners over age 65, and the best female marathon runners over age 45, continue to consistently improve their performance.
Stem Cell Therapy Restores Vision
UCLA-led team safely uses human embryonic stem cells to treat macular degeneration.
Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum Anti-Aging Forum
Anti-Aging textbook Anti-Aging Forum MLDP Anti-aging jobs Join A4M
ANTI-AGING TIP OF THE DAY
In Working Order
Men and women who stay mentally engaged in their original occupational field fare after retirement fare best mentally. University of Maryland (Maryland, USA) researchers studied 12,189 retired men and women, ages 51 to 61 years at the beginning of the study. The team revealed that those retirees who continued to work in a bridge job experienced fewer major diseases...
» MORE