Coronary Calcium Scans Uncover Hidden Health Risks, Study Finds

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) CT scans are increasingly recognized as an effective method for assessing a patient’s risk of heart disease and potential heart attacks. Recent research from the heart specialists at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City indicates that these minimally invasive scans can also reveal other significant medical conditions, some of which could be life-threatening.

Dr. Brent Muhlestein, co-director of research at Intermountain Medical Center, highlighted that “in nearly one in 10 of these kinds of heart scans, we’re finding other possible medical issues.” While many findings may not be serious, some patients have required urgent medical attention due to abnormalities detected in these scans. For instance, one participant required emergency surgery following a CAC CT scan.

The study is part of the Intermountain CorCal clinical trial, which randomized 2,284 patients to assess plaque buildup in arteries using either conventional methods or CAC CT scans. Among those who underwent CAC CT scans, radiologists identified additional potentially serious findings in 247 patients, representing approximately 8.5% of the total. Notably, over half of these findings were lung abnormalities, although issues were detected across various organs, including the esophagus, liver, kidneys, breasts, and other parts of the heart.

Dr. Muhlestein stated, “These results show that proactive cardiac CT scans may be useful to identify other health issues for patients, beyond cardiac calcium levels.” These findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans.

Out of the 247 patients who had abnormal findings, two-thirds were referred for further evaluation. Among this group, 23 patients were diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysms, bulges in the aorta measuring over 4.5 centimeters. One alarming case involved a patient with an aneurysm measuring eight centimeters, necessitating immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Muhlestein noted, “That patient went into surgery within a week of us finding it. We’re confident in saying we’ve saved at least one life through this study.”

Previous phases of the Intermountain CorCal study have indicated that CAC CT scans may help identify which patients would benefit from statin medications to protect heart health. Dr. Muhlestein acknowledged that while the findings are promising, further investigation is necessary to determine the cost-effectiveness and necessity of additional follow-up care for patients identified through these scans.

“The findings from our study are significant enough that it’s worth asking that question,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for continued exploration into the potential of CAC CT scans as a preventive health tool. As the medical community evaluates these results, the implications for early detection and intervention could prove vital in improving patient outcomes across various health concerns.