When it comes to predicting heart attacks and strokes, what matters the most: a number, a picture, or both?
It depends on the patient, two new trials say, adding to previous research exploring the value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans when combined with risk measured by the newly adopted PREVENT calculator. Both tools assess the future chances of serious cardiovascular events, potentially influencing decisions about prescribing cholesterol-lowering statins or other treatments to limit damage to blood vessels leading to the heart and brain.
