Beyond traditional risk factor analysis for coronary artery disease: the case for coronary artery calcium assessment with electron beam computed tomography.

Coronary artery disease is often asymptomatic, leading to inefficient detection. Although coronary artery disease is associated with multiple risk factors, better methods for detection are needed. The quantity of coronary artery calcium as detected with electron beam computed tomography is indicative of plaque mass, and the likelihood of coronary obstruction and future coronary events is independent of other risk factors. Screening for coronary artery disease with electron beam computed tomography offers a complimentary way of detecting early atherosclerosis in asymptomatic patients.