Coronary Calcium CT Scans Reveal Hidden Health Risks, Study Finds

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) CT scans are increasingly recognized as a vital tool for assessing a patient’s risk of heart disease. These minimally invasive scans measure calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries, enabling healthcare providers to recommend appropriate medical interventions, including statin medications. A recent study from researchers at Intermountain Health in Salt Lake City reveals that these scans can also identify other significant health issues, some of which may be life-threatening.

The study, part of the Intermountain CorCal clinical trial, involved 2,284 asymptomatic patients who underwent CAC CT scans to evaluate plaque buildup in their arteries. According to Brent Muhlestein, MD, co-director of research at Intermountain Medical Center, abnormalities were detected in approximately 8.5% of the patients. “In nearly one in 10 of these kinds of heart scans, we’re finding other possible medical issues,” Dr. Muhlestein noted. The findings were presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions 2025.

Among the 247 patients with identified abnormalities, over half had lung issues, but problems were also discovered in various organs, including the esophagus, liver, kidneys, and breasts. One notable case involved a patient who required emergency surgery due to a detected thoracic aortic aneurysm. This condition, characterized by an abnormal bulge in the aorta, can be life-threatening if left untreated.

Dr. Muhlestein reported that two-thirds of the patients with significant findings were referred for follow-up care, with 23 individuals diagnosed with thoracic aortic aneurysms larger than 4.5 centimeters. Notably, one aneurysm measured 8 centimeters, prompting immediate surgical intervention. “That patient went into surgery within a week of us finding it,” said Dr. Muhlestein. “We’re confident in saying we’ve saved at least one life through this study.”

The study’s results highlight the potential of CAC CT scans not only in assessing heart disease risk but also in serving as a preventive health tool. Previous research from the Intermountain CorCal study indicated that these scans could help identify patients who might benefit from statin medications to protect their cardiovascular health.

Despite these promising findings, Dr. Muhlestein cautioned that it remains to be determined whether all patients referred for follow-up care genuinely required additional interventions. “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 stated.

As the research continues, the implications of routine CAC CT scans may extend beyond cardiovascular health, offering valuable insights into broader medical concerns. The study underscores the importance of proactive health screenings, potentially reshaping how clinicians approach patient evaluations in the future.