Visualizing coronary calcium is associated with improvements in adherence to statin therapy

Atherosclerosis Screening by Noninvasive Imaging for Cardiovascular Prevention: A Systematic Review

“…After a two-step screening process, 12 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. 11,[14][15][16][17][18]32,[35][36][37][38][39] Using the abstract and title on the first screen, 13 disagreements concerning eligibility for a full-text review occurred between the two reviewers (kappa=0.81). For the second screen, which was based on the full-text review of 41 studies, there was one disagreement (kappa=0.94).…”

“…Concerning drug adherence, one study found that individuals with CAC scores in the fourth quartile were more likely (multivariate-adjusted OR=9.26, 95%CI=4.13-20.76) to continue statins compared to those with CAC scores in the first quartile. 17 However, no formal measurement of adherence such as drug dispensers with electronic monitoring or pill count was performed. The study populations were often not population-based as participants were frequently referred for atherosclerosis screening by their general practitioner.…”

“…13 These two studies were not randomized, 14,15 and behavior outcomes were self-reported. Since this publication, new studies [16][17][18] or studies with other screening techniques 11 have been published.…”

Escore de cálcio e angiotomografia coronariana na estratificação do risco cardiovascular

“…In addition to its role as a risk stratification tool, another important aspect of CACS relates to its potential to change and help with the clinical management of patients suspected 23 have shown that the use rate of lipid-lowering drugs in dyslipidemic patients increased from 44% to over 90% in those with severe calcification on CACS assessment 23 . Other preventive behavioral measures, such as the regular practice of physical exercises and the adoption of healthier diets, have also shown an improvement in the subgroup with higher CACS values.…”

Vascular Inflammation: A New Horizon in Cardiovascular Risk Assessment

“…Although the initiation of appropriate lifestyle and pharmacotherapy by physicians correlated with abnormal CAC scores, it is still unclear whether routine atherosclerotic imaging improves medication adherence. Kalia et al (2006) reported that in a study of 505 asymptomatic individuals that continuation of lipid-lowering medication was lowest (44%) among those with a CAC score in the first quartile (0-30), whereas 91% of individuals with a CAC score in the fourth quartile (>526) adhered to lipid-lowering medication. In multivariable analysis, after adjustment for other cardiovascular risk factors, higher baseline CAC scores were strongly associated with adherence to statin therapy.…”