What Does It Mean to Have Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis Detected on CT?

With the increasing availability of cardiac CT scans, many high-end health checkup packages now include coronary CT angiography. This technology represents a major advancement in cardiovascular diagnostics. It offers a relatively low-cost, minimally invasive, and largely painless way to assess whether there are signs of arterial hardening or clear indicators of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Understanding Mild Coronary Artery Atherosclerosis

When a CT report indicates the presence of coronary artery atherosclerosis but does not mention moderate or severe narrowing in any major vessel, it typically refers to a milder form of the condition. This may also be described as early-stage coronary artery disease. Specifically, if no vessel shows a narrowing between 50% and 70%, or more than 50%, it suggests that the plaque buildup is currently not severe enough to significantly restrict blood flow.

Diagnostic Criteria for Coronary Artery Disease

Defining Coronary Narrowing

In clinical practice, a diagnosis of coronary artery disease is generally made when a major coronary artery has a narrowing of 50% or more. If the blockage is less than 50%, the findings are often described as coronary artery plaque, atherosclerotic plaque, or coronary atherosclerosis. While these terms suggest a less urgent condition, they serve as important warning signs.

The Importance of Early Detection

Such CT findings play a crucial role in preventive cardiology. They act as an early alert system, indicating that although the current plaque burden is not critical, it could progress over time. Without proper management of other risk factors—such as high cholesterol, hypertension, smoking, or diabetes—these plaques may grow and eventually lead to significant coronary artery disease. Therefore, identifying atherosclerosis in its early stages provides a valuable opportunity for lifestyle changes and medical intervention to prevent future complications.