The Prospective Army Coronary Calcium (PAAC) Study
Abstract
Electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) is a noninvasive x-ray test like a CAT scan that detects calcium in the arteries of the heart. When calcium deposits are present, they indicate that some build-up of arterial blockages has begun in the arteries. The available evidence on EBCT shows that patients with calcium deposits are more likely to develop heart problems, such as heart attacks. There is controversy, however, because it is not clear whether EBCT is more accurate than traditional risk factor measurements for predicting who is most likely to develop heart disease. Some of the controversy has arisen because EBCT is expensive (about $500 per test). The test is also very sensitive, possibly too sensitive, meaning that many patients will have arterial abnormalities, but only some will ultimately experience problems with heart disease. Because of its promise and uncertainties, the Army needs to understand whether EBCT is a better way to screen our personnel than our current methods. This study, which will enroll 2000 active duty Army personnel (men and women) between the ages of 40 and 45, will answer 3 important questions about the utility of EBCT as a screening test in our active-duty troops: 1. How common is coronary calcium in aged 40 to 45 year old active duty Army personnel? How does the expense and accuracy of an EBCT screening program compare to our current program of risk factor measurements? 2. Does finding coronary calcium on an EBCT provide patients with better information to help guide them to healthier and happier lifestyles compared to our current measurements, like cholesterol? Are patients more motivated to eat right and exercise, for example, when they know they have early arterial blockages? 3. Can we predict who will develop heart disease in the future better using an EBCT scan or a cholesterol measurement?
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA417045
Entities
People
- Allen J. Taylor