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Question:
How does one interpret results from a CACS study?
In a CACS study, what does an LAD of 152.2 mean?
submitted by Bethany from Columbus on 01/17/2017
Answer:
by Texas Heart Institute cardiologist, Scott R. Sherron, MD 
CACS is a screening tool for calcium in the coronary arteries. It is
not normal to have any calcium, but for certain, anything above 10 is
abnormal. Calcium is attracted to plaque and a calcium score of 152
means there is definitely plaque in the coronary vessels, in your
example in the LAD.
Although CACS is loosely correlated with
overall plaque burden, it does not give any information as to the
severity of stenosis (narrowing) in a specific location. It is mainly
used as a risk stratifying tool that can determine that more aggressive
lipid therapy should be considered and how often screening should be
performed. For example, your LDL goal should be <=70 and if higher,
statin should be started or adjusted. You should be taking a daily
aspirin, probably 81mg coated unless you have a high risk of bleeding. Also, you should have a non-invasive screening test such as a treadmill
exercise test performed now and perhaps yearly or every other year
depending on your other risk factors.
This CACS is equivalent
to the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and maximal prevention
should be applied. On the other hand, if TET is negative and you have
no symptoms, you may have this finding and no event for many years.
It is useful to know your current risk status and react accordingly.
I hope this is helpful.
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Updated January 2017
