New Study Reveals CAC CT Scans Can Detect Hidden Health Risks

Recent research from Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City highlights the expanding role of coronary artery calcium (CAC) CT scans, which not only assess a patient’s heart disease risk but also uncover other potential health issues. The study indicates that these minimally invasive scans can reveal significant medical conditions that may require immediate intervention.

According to the findings presented by Brent Muhlestein, MD, co-director of research at Intermountain Medical Center, nearly one in ten patients undergoing CAC CT scans showed additional medical concerns. “In nearly one in 10 of these kinds of heart scans, we’re finding other possible medical issues,” Dr. Muhlestein stated. While some detected conditions may be benign, others have proven to be critical. One participant required emergency surgery due to a finding on the scan.

The research was part of the Intermountain CorCal clinical trial, which involved a randomized group of asymptomatic, otherwise healthy patients. Participants were assessed for plaque buildup in their arteries, either through standard treatment protocols or CAC CT scans. Out of the 2,284 patients who received CAC scans, radiologists identified significant findings in 247 individuals, accounting for 8.5% of the cases.

Health Risks Beyond Heart Disease

The additional findings predominantly included lung abnormalities, although issues were noted across various organs, such as the esophagus, liver, kidneys, breasts, and other sections of the heart. Dr. Muhlestein emphasized the potential of proactive cardiac CT scans to identify health issues beyond just calcium levels in the arteries. “These results show that proactive cardiac CT scans may be useful to identify other health issues for patients,” he said.

The implications of these findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025 in New Orleans. Among the 247 patients flagged for follow-up care, approximately two-thirds were referred for further evaluation. This group included 23 patients diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysms, which are bulging sections of the aorta in the chest measuring over 4.5 centimeters. Notably, one patient presented with an aneurysm measuring eight centimeters, which necessitated immediate surgical intervention. Dr. Muhlestein remarked, “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.”

Future Considerations for Preventive Care

Earlier research from the Intermountain CorCal study indicated that CAC CT scans could effectively determine which patients might benefit from statin medications to enhance heart health. Future discussions will focus on the cost-effectiveness and necessity of expanding the role of radiologists in analyzing these scans.

Dr. Muhlestein noted that while the study’s findings are significant, they do not conclusively establish whether every patient recommended for follow-up care required it. “These findings don’t show whether every patient who was recommended for follow-up care needed it. But the findings from our study are significant enough that it’s worth asking that question,” he explained.

As the research evolves, it may pave the way for broader applications of CAC CT scans in preventive health measures, ultimately aiming to enhance patient outcomes across various health issues.