Coronary calcium levels 'can predict risk of death'
15 years, 10 months ago
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Posted on Jul 02, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
A new study has demonstrated that measuring calcium deposits in the heart's arteries can serve as an indicator of mortality risk in elderly American adults.
A new study has demonstrated that measuring calcium deposits in the heart's arteries can serve as an indicator of mortality risk in elderly American adults.
Research published in the July issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that measuring coronary arterial calcium with computed tomography (CT) heart scans can help predict risk of death in most elderly Americans.
Dr Matthew J Budoff, a researcher at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, said: "This study indicates calcium scans can be the best predictor currently available to detect who is likely to suffer a heart attack and who is not.
"Previous studies found coronary arterial calcium scans were effective tools for determining the overall death risk in young adults, diabetics, smokers and those suffering from renal failure. This study indicates coronary arterial scans are effective in measuring overall death risk in the elderly."
In response to the findings, the authors recommend that with the information from coronary arterial calcium scans, anti-aging physicians can advise patients on lifestyle factors such as diet, medications and exercise that could help promote longevity and reduce risk of cardiovascular illness.
