[Coronary calcium CT-scanning advisable in patients with a high cardiovascular risk: refining cardiovascular risk in primary prevention]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2022 Jun 20:166:D6710.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Currently, risk prediction models like SCORE are used for decision making in the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease. The external validity of these models is questionable since they give rise to overtreatment with statins or antihypertensive drugs. Detailed individual risk assessment may reduce this drawback and will increase cost effectiveness. The CT derived coronary calcium score, in asymptomatic patients, was shown to be more accurate than the current prediction models. A coronary calcium score of zero reclassifies a significant number of individuals to a lower risk group and subsequently prevent overtreatment. Using this strategy, it can be anticipated that the Dutch healthcare costs can be reduced by at least 15 million Euro per year.

MeSH terms

  • Calcium*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis
  • Heart Disease Risk Factors
  • Humans
  • Primary Prevention
  • Risk Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Calcium