Dr Nick Lan

People with a family history of premature heart attack are at much higher risk of developing heart disease. Yet many are not identified early enough to benefit from prevention.

Traditional risk calculators often underestimate their danger, especially when they are younger. Early detection is critical, as it allows for an opportunity for early intervention with lifestyle changes and medications that can reduce the risk of heart attack.

This study is the first of its kind and explores whether adding a CT coronary angiography scan to standard risk assessments can improve cholesterol management. The scan can reveal plaque build-up in the heartʼs arteries long before symptoms appear, offering a powerful tool for guiding treatment and motivating healthier choices.

By recruiting patients across East Metropolitan Health Service, the trial aims to provide the foundation for a larger national study. Its findings could transform how families at high risk are protected from heart disease.