Min says the next step is to conduct a large-scale randomized trial to show that patients have better outcomes if they receive treatment based on the results of a coronary artery calcification test. The researchers have put together a design for a trial, which will also be led by Weill Cornell Medical College.

Coronary artery calcification scans are not generally covered by insurance, Min says. Texas is the only state to mandate coverage, under a law passed in 2009.


In 2012, the American Heart Association issued a position statement, saying that it didn’t support state efforts to mandate coverage of the scans because there was insufficient evidence showing that widespread screening of patients without symptoms of heart disease is clinically appropriate.

“Until stronger and more granular evidence for the efficacy of coronary artery calcification (CAC) scans and carotid IMT ultrasound screenings for CHD in the asymptomatic adult population is established, the AHA does not support state efforts to mandate coverage for these CHD screening methods,” the statement read. “Instead, AHA recommends that individual patients should discuss alternative guideline recommended CHD screening options with their physicians and make decisions that are consistent with the best available information based on the current science.”

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