From the Research
Clinical Significance of a CAC Score of 3000
- A coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of 3000 indicates a high burden of coronary atherosclerosis, which is a marker of overall coronary atherosclerotic burden in an individual 1.
- The presence of a high CAC score is associated with an increased risk of coronary events, and the risk increases with higher scores 2, 3.
- A CAC score of 3000 is considered very high, and individuals with such scores are at a higher risk of cardiovascular events 1.
- The use of CAC testing, including scores like 3000, has been recommended in guidelines for shared decision making between the clinician and patient for cardiovascular risk stratification and preventive treatment of asymptomatic patients with unclear cardiovascular disease risk 1.
- It is essential to interpret CAC scores in the context of age, sex, and race-specific percentiles, as well as other risk factors, to accurately assess cardiovascular risk 1, 4.
- A high CAC score like 3000 may indicate the need for more aggressive preventive measures, such as statin therapy, to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events 5.
Reporting and Interpretation of CAC Scores
- When interpreting CAC scans, it is essential to report the absolute Agatston score, as well as the age, sex, and race-specific CAC percentile 1.
- The number of vessels with CAC, the presence of CAC in the left main coronary artery, and specific highlighting of individuals with very high CAC scores like 3000 should also be reported 1.
- The 10-year coronary heart disease risk can be easily assessed using the free online Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis risk score calculator when risk factor information is available 1.
Implications for Patient Management
- A CAC score of 3000 may lead to changes in clinical approach to the patient, including more aggressive preventive measures and closer monitoring 3, 5.
- The use of CAC scoring, including high scores like 3000, can help identify patients at higher risk of developing coronary artery disease and guide treatment decisions 4.
- Patient behavior and adherence to preventive practices and medications may also be influenced by the knowledge of a high CAC score like 3000 5.