Heart Health

Calcium score, coaching, and statins may slow plaque buildup

Research we're watching

By , Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter
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 A coronary artery calcium scan indicating the location of the aorta and pointing out areas of calcified plaque.

For people with a family history of early heart disease, getting a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan plus intensive coaching and a statin may help limit plaque progression in their arteries, a new study finds.

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About the Author

photo of Julie Corliss

Julie Corliss, Executive Editor, Harvard Heart Letter

Julie Corliss is the executive editor of the Harvard Heart Letter. Before working at Harvard, she was a medical writer and editor at HealthNews, a consumer newsletter affiliated with The New England Journal of Medicine. She … See Full Bio
View all posts by Julie Corliss

About the Reviewer

photo of Christopher P. Cannon, MD

Christopher P. Cannon, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Heart Letter; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing

Dr. Christopher P. Cannon is editor in chief of the Harvard Heart Letter. He is a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, and senior physician in the Preventive Cardiology section of the Cardiovascular Division at … See Full Bio
View all posts by Christopher P. Cannon, MD
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