Study Finds Zero Coronary Artery Calcium Score Indicates Strong Prognosis Across Age Groups

Recent research conducted by heart specialists at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City reveals that a zero score on the coronary artery calcium (CAC) scale is a reliable predictor of low risk for cardiac events, regardless of an individual's age. This study analyzed data from over 40,000 patients, demonstrating that having no detectable coronary artery calcium not only correlates with a minimal risk for coronary heart disease but also suggests a significantly lower risk of mortality from any cause.

Traditionally, a CAC score of zero has been viewed as an indicator of very low risk for heart-related issues within the next five years. However, it has long been understood that age significantly influences coronary risk, which intensifies as individuals grow older. The question of whether the risks associated with aging could overshadow the positive implications of a zero CAC score has been a matter of uncertainty until now.

The findings from this large-scale study suggest that a zero CAC score remains a strong indicator of low risk for coronary heart events, even in older adults. Specifically, the researchers discovered that individuals with a zero CAC score had a two to three times lower risk of dying from any cause compared to those with higher scores, demonstrating the vital significance of this marker across all ages.

Dr. Jeffrey L. Anderson, the principal investigator for the study, emphasized the importance of these findings. He noted that the absence of coronary plaque is not only indicative of optimal heart health but also correlates with longevity and overall well-being. A CAC score of zero reflects minimal to no advanced plaque formation in the coronary arteries, while scores ranging from 1-99 indicate mild plaque presence, 100-299 moderate, and 300 or more signify a high degree of plaque burden.

The research team conducted a retrospective analysis of 40,820 symptomatic patients who underwent PET/CT scans over a decade, aiming to quantify calcified plaque in the heart's vessels. Among these patients, 8,170 presented with a zero CAC score, comprising 5,185 individuals under 65 and 2,782 aged 65 and older. The researchers then tracked coronary health outcomes over an average follow-up period of more than two years.

Results revealed that only 0.12% of younger patients and 0.25% of older patients experienced coronary events, indicating a negligible difference between age groups. When comparing overall rates of death or heart attacks among those with detectable coronary artery calcium to those with a zero score, the latter group exhibited significantly lower event rates across both younger and older demographics. This highlights the enduring relevance of a zero CAC score in evaluating cardiovascular health.

Dr. Anderson also pointed out that the presence of coronary disease could indicate potential vascular complications in other organ systems. Therefore, a zero CAC score may serve not only as a predictor of low coronary-related mortality but also of reduced risks associated with various other health issues.

Future research will delve deeper into understanding the relationship between a zero CAC score and overall mortality, including potential connections to vascular diseases affecting other organs and even cancer.