New data presented on the use of coronary artery calcium for cardiovascular risk assessment
There was no difference in major cardiovascular events when statin initiation was based on coronary artery calcium compared with traditional risk factor assessment, according to results presented in a Hot Line session today at ESC Congress 2026.
A recent study presented at ESC Congress 2026 found no difference in major cardiovascular events between using traditional risk factor assessment or coronary artery calcium (CAC) measurement for determining statin therapy initiation. Both methods resulted in identical rates of 2.7% major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) after 4.2 years of follow-up.
While statins were recommended more frequently for the PCE group, the CAC group had significantly higher treatment adherence (62% vs. 23%). The researchers emphasized the need for a larger, well-powered trial to further evaluate the effectiveness of CAC scoring in statin initiation and adherence decisions. These findings align with the 2025 Focused Update of the 2019 ESC/EAS Guidelines, which recommends considering increased CAC scores as risk modifiers in individuals at moderate risk or near treatment-decision thresholds.
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