Coronary Artery Calcium Screening Predicts Mortality in the Elderly

News Author: Michael O'Riordan The use of coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening is an effective risk-stratification tool in elderly patients, according to the results of a new study. Investigators showed that CAC scoring discriminates mortality risk in these older patients, despite their advanced age and reduced life expectancy, allowing a reclassification of patient risk based on the calcium score. "The use of coronary artery calcium scoring is an effective risk-stratification tool in the elderly as well as young patients, rendering CAC of potential utility even in high-risk patients such as those with diabetes, those with renal failure, smokers, and now the elderly," Dr Paolo Raggi (Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA) told heartwire. "This study closes the loop around the high-risk patients."