Coronary Artery Screening by Electron Beam Computed Tomography Facts, Controversy, and Future

摘要: Coronary calcium as detected by electron beam computed tomography always signifies at least some atherosclerosis, appears to be correlated with coronary risk factors, cardiac history, and overall angiographic severity of disease, but is inconsistently related degree atherosclerotic lesion stenosis in a given artery. Increasing evidence, however, suggests an association between artery calcium, risk. But atherosclerosis very common condition, its prevalence increasing age. No fully validated method for determining the quantity available, we do not know whether amount consistently accurate reflection or reflects Furthermore, prognostic significance any yet established. What clear from cohort studies, that three quarters asymptomatic individuals, half whom would have "positive" tomographic scans, will live 10 years without problems kind. Investigation needed determine medical intervention may impact clinical outcome rest those identified positive scan destined suffer future events. Despite lack validation, this test has widespread appeal, both public means being able find out condition their arteries "without injections dye" hospitals private groups who view innovation cardiovascular diagnosis potentially profitable diagnostic procedure.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)