Does coronary artery screening by electron beam computed tomography motivate potentially beneficial lifestyle behaviors?
We evaluated the extent to which cardiovascular risk-reducing behaviors are initiated as a result of knowledge of newly detected coronary artery disease, based on test results from noninvasive electron beam computed tomography (EBCT). A total of 703 men and women, aged 28 to 84 years, asymptomatic and without prior coronary disease, who had a baseline EBCT coronary artery scan and basic medical history and risk factor information completed a follow-up survey questioning them about health behaviors undertaken since their scan. Baseline calcium scores were significantly higher in those who subsequently reported consulting with a physician, or reported new hospitalization, coronary revascularization, beginning aspirin usage, blood pressure medications, cholesterol-lowering therapy, decreasing dietary fat, losing weight, beginning vitamin E, and under more worry (all p <0.01). Other factors, including reducing time worked, obtaining life insurance, losing employment, increased work absente
