In this episode of the Optispan podcast, Dr. Matt Kaeberlein sits down with Dr. Kevin White to review the results of their Cleerly CCTA scans—a new AI-powered coronary imaging tool. They explore how this non-invasive test detects heart disease earlier than traditional methods and discuss the implications for longevity-focused healthcare.

Key Points:

Cleerly’s CCTA scan uses AI to differentiate soft and calcified heart plaque, offering a powerful early-warning system for cardiovascular risk. This episode emphasizes how personalized data can guide both lifestyle changes and medical decisions for long-term heart health.

• What is Cleerly CCTA? AI Meets Coronary Imaging: Cleerly adds advanced AI analysis to CT angiograms, quantifying soft and calcified plaque and giving a precise visualization of heart disease risk—far beyond what calcium scans or stress tests provide.
• Why It Matters: Heart disease often strikes without warning, even in seemingly healthy individuals. Cleerly scans can reveal hidden plaque and prompt intervention before a major cardiac event occurs.
• Soft vs. Calcified Plaque:  Soft plaque—especially low-density types—is more dangerous than calcified plaque, as it’s more likely to rupture and trigger heart attacks. Fortunately, soft plaque is also more responsive to lifestyle and medical intervention.
• The Scan Experience: The scan is quick and painless, involving contrast dye and a short stay under a CT machine. Patients may need a beta-blocker to slow heart rate, and minor radiation exposure is involved—but newer machines keep it minimal.
• Understanding the Results: The report includes detailed plaque volumes, percent stenosis (blockage), and “CAD-RADS” staging. Dr. Kaeberlein's scan showed minimal disease, with 5–11% narrowing in a few arteries, mostly due to soft plaque.
•  From Data to Action: Depending on plaque type and severity, follow-ups may include statins, PCSK9 inhibitors, or focused lifestyle changes. Re-scanning in 2–4 years can track progress, making this a dynamic tool for long-term heart health.