Chest computed tomography (CT) scans may help to predict individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The results, which were published online in the journal Radiology, reveal incidental CT findings may help to identify patients who are at risk for heart attacks or other cardiovascular events in the future.

Pushpa M. Jairam, MD, PhD, from the University Medical Center Utrecht, in Utrecht, the Netherlands, said in a statement, “In addition to diagnostic purposes, chest CT can be used for the prediction of cardiovascular disease.” Dr. Jairam continued, “With this study, we have taken a new perspective by providing a different approach for cardiovascular disease risk prediction strictly based on information readily available to the radiologist.”

According to theheartfoundation.org, heart disease is the primary cause of death among men and women in the U.S., claiming approximately one million lives each year.

Currently, individuals with a high risk for cardiovascular events are identified with risk stratification tools based on traditional risk factors, including age, gender, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking status, along with other factors believed to be related to heart disease.

However, a sizeable number of cardiovascular events occur in those with no traditional risk factors, or in patients with previously undetected or underdiagnosed risk factors.

Dr. Jairam explains, “Extensive literature has clearly documented the uncertainty of prediction models based on conventional risk factors. With this study, we address to some extent, the need for a shift in cardiovascular risk assessment from conventional risk factors to direct measures of subclinical atherosclerosis.”