A study found that subclinical disease detected using imaging methods predicts mortality better than traditional risk factors. Plaque burden on 3D vascular ultrasound and coronary artery calcium on CT scans were shown to be better predictors of death. This finding highlights the importance of early detection, with implications for clinical practice. The researchers suggest that evaluating people with risk factors at age 30 using imaging could change the way cardiovascular disease is managed. 3D vascular ultrasound technology offers advantages over coronary artery calcium scans, providing a more accurate and radiation-free assessment of atherosclerosis. Progression of atherosclerosis was linked to an increased risk of mortality, emphasizing the need for monitoring and interventions to prevent cardiovascular events.
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New Evidence That Plaque Buildup Shouldn’t Be Ignored
