SCOT-HEART 2 Trial: CT Angiography Boosts Lifestyle Changes and Preventive Therapy in Cardiovascular Care
UK: A new study published in JAMA Cardiology highlights the potential of coronary computed tomography (CT) angiography to promote healthier lifestyle choices and improved adherence to preventive therapies in individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease. The substudy, conducted within the larger SCOT-HEART 2 randomized clinical trial, was led by Dr. Michael McDermott of the British Heart Foundation Centre of Research Excellence, University of Edinburgh, and colleagues.
Despite increasing awareness of heart disease prevention, the adoption of healthy lifestyle habits and primary preventive treatments often remains suboptimal. The research team aimed to assess whether CT angiography could motivate individuals to embrace lifestyle modifications and adhere to recommended therapies more effectively than traditional cardiovascular risk scoring.
The substudy enrolled 400 asymptomatic adults aged 40 to 70 years with at least one cardiovascular risk factor, but no known cardiovascular disease. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either guideline-based cardiovascular risk scoring or coronary CT angiography, followed by personalized lifestyle advice. Those identified with coronary atherosclerosis on imaging were also advised to start antiplatelet and statin therapy. The primary focus was on changes in diet, physical activity, body weight, and smoking status after six months.
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