I heard theres a new kind of CAT scan that can detect blockages at an early stage. Is that the solution?
Yes and no. The test, called Ultrafast CT, can detect calcifications in the coronary arteries before significant blockages develop. But there are some drawbacks to the test. First of all, it’s considered experimental and generally not covered by insurance. Second, it’s not clear what can be done about arteries that have minor blockages. Angioplasty or bypass surgery certainly isn’t the answer for these early lesions. Watching one’s cholesterol is certainly appropriate, but that’s a good idea for anyone, regardless of what their scan shows. So yes, the test can be useful, but it sometimes creates more questions than answers.
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