Noninvasive Imaging for the Asymptomatic Patient: How to Use Imaging to Guide Treatment Goals?

Imaging subclinical atherosclerosis identifies individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular disease through direct visualization before events occur so that preventative measures can be taken. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans are the most widely used and studied to identify subclinical atherosclerosis and are most useful in men older than 40 years and women older than 50 years. Coronary computed tomography angiography has high prognostic value and might be the best modality for assessing subclinical atherosclerosis with incremental increase in predictive value over CAC. Ankle-brachial indexes are specific markers for cardiovascular risk but are a less sensitive tool for risk assessment.