Heart Scans

[Old Pete]

What do you think about the CT and EBT Scans that measure Calcium in the arteries as a screening tool. I have read some of your responses and you seem to take a pretty aggressive stance on treating high cholesterol so I thought you might have an interest in this.

There seems to be some controversy over the amount of radiation exposure one receives from one of these scans (anywhere from 5-100x a normal chest x-ray) what do you think about the radiation risk?

For a hypothetical male non-smoker, normal lipid profile, normal BP, but with a family history of heart disease do you have any recommendations?

Also, is there a particular Agatston Score where the FAA considers you to have heart disease?

[My Flight Surgeon]

What do you think about the CT and EBT Scans that measure Calcium in the arteries as a screening tool. I have read some of your responses and you seem to take a pretty aggressive stance on treating high cholesterol so I thought you might have an interest in this.
These tests are not the mainstream of diagnosing coronary artery disease. There is still controversy over how to use the data. I personally have not had this test performed. I think a nuclear stress test is a better study.

There seems to be some controversy over the amount of radiation exposure one receives from one of these scans (anywhere from 5-100x a normal chest x-ray) what do you think about the radiation risk?
The radiation risk is relatively minimal but you would not want to perform this as an annual test.


For a hypothetical male non-smoker, normal lipid profile, normal BP, but with a family history of heart disease do you have any recommendations?
I would not get the test done. There is some literature that says if your risk of a cardiac event is 20% in the next 10 years, you are a candidate for the test.

Also, is there a particular Agatston Score where the FAA considers you to have heart disease?
As far as I know, the FAA does not have any standards currently. The test will have to become a recognized standard of care before the FAA uses it.

[brentg350]

If I could jump in on this conversation. I just had my VA physical and I guess my lipid panel test rose some concern, enough for them to send me a notice to follow up with a physician. Should I really be concerned for my aviation career? I'm pretty healthy I thought; I've worked out at least 5 days a week for 14 years, running and everything but I have used supplements for about the same number of years. Could this possibly keep me from getting a class I?

[My Flight Surgeon]

Probably you are OK. Just need some medicine to bring the cholesterol down.