Cleerly CCTA: Catch Heart Risks Before They Catch You.
Cleerly CCTA – Cleerly Health Coronary CT Angiogram & It’s AI-Driven Analysis Platform
Introduction
Early detection can prevent tragedy. Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of preventable deaths, yet many heart attacks strike people who never knew they were at risk. Cleerly’s AI‑enabled coronary CT angiogram (CCTA) analyzes high‑resolution CT images to quantify and characterize arterial plaque before it causes symptoms. This page explains how Cleerly CCTA works, summarizes clinical evidence, compares it with other heart tests and outlines how Desert Mobile Medical integrates this technology into a concierge experience.
What Is Cleerly CCTA?
Cleerly CCTA combines cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) with an AI‑driven analysis platform. A CT scanner captures 3‑D images of your coronary arteries. Cleerly’s software then quantifies plaque volume, composition (calcified vs. non‑calcified) and stenosis severity in both 2‑D and 3‑D, potentially reducing the need for additional testing by giving a detailed picture of your heart health. Unlike a standard CT report, Cleerly distinguishes between stable calcified plaque and soft plaque that is more likely to rupture.
How It Works
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Low‑dose CT scan. You lie on a table while a CT scanner produces cross‑sectional images of your heart. Modern scanners use ECG‑gating and iterative reconstruction techniques to keep radiation exposure low.
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AI‑powered analysis. Cleerly’s algorithms process the images, generating a 3‑D model of your coronary tree and measuring plaque volume, type and stenosis. This software has been validated in the multicenter CREDENCE and PACIFIC trials, where Cleerly’s ischemia algorithm demonstrated higher diagnostic accuracy and area‑under‑the‑curve compared with fractional flow reserve CT and stress testing.
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Specialist review. Board‑certified physicians review the AI report, confirm findings and integrate them into a personalized prevention or treatment plan.
Why Early Detection Matters & How Cleerly CCTA Helps
Many heart attacks originate from plaques that are not severe enough to cause symptoms or show up on a traditional stress test. Research shows that more than half of heart attacks strike without warning and 75 % are triggered by narrowings < 70 %—levels often missed by stress testing. The SCOT‑HEART trial followed more than 4,000 angina patients and found that those who underwent CCTA had a 40 % reduction in heart attacks over five years compared with standard care. The trial concluded that CT‑guided management improves outcomes without increasing the overall number of procedures.
Leading cardiology societies recognize this value. The 2021 AHA/ACC chest pain guidelines recommend CCTA as a Class I/Level A test for intermediate‑to‑high‑risk patients with stable chest pain. These guidelines acknowledge that CCTA’s high negative predictive value makes it an ideal first‑line tool for ruling out obstructive disease, particularly when combined with clinical assessment and risk factors.
Benefits of Cleerly CCTA
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Early plaque detection – identifies both calcified and soft plaque long before it narrows the arteries.
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Accurate risk stratification – quantifies plaque burden and stenosis to better predict heart attack risk.
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Guided prevention and treatment – helps tailor medications, lifestyle changes or interventions.
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Progress monitoring – repeat scans show whether lifestyle changes or therapy are regressing plaque.
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Non‑invasive convenience – uses a quick CT scan with no catheters; radiation exposure is minimized through modern techniques.
Comparing Heart Tests
Test |
Detects Plaque? |
Characterizes Plaque Type |
Invasiveness & Radiation |
Predictive Value/Use |
Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Treadmill Stress Test |
No (detects ischemia at >70 % narrowing) |
No |
Non‑invasive, no radiation |
Functional test; misses early disease |
Used to detect exercise‑induced ischemia; many heart attacks occur with <70 % stenosis |
Coronary Calcium Score |
Detects calcified plaque only |
No (does not show soft plaque) |
Low‑dose CT, no contrast |
Risk stratification tool; cannot measure stenosis or non‑calcified plaque |
Often used for screening but may miss dangerous soft plaque |
Conventional CCTA |
Yes – visualizes lumen and plaque |
Limited qualitative characterization |
Low‑dose CT with contrast |
Anatomic test; identifies blockages but may not quantify plaque composition |
Provides 3‑D images but interpretation relies on radiologist’s qualitative assessment |
Cleerly AI‑Enhanced CCTA |
Yes – quantifies plaque volume and stenosis |
Yes – differentiates calcified vs. soft and high‑risk plaque |
Low‑dose CT with contrast; non‑invasive |
Provides detailed, quantitative data; helps predict events and guide personalized treatment |
AI analysis validated in multicenter trials; reduces need for additional testing |
Who Should Consider Cleerly CCTA?
You may benefit from a Cleerly CCTA if you:
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Have a family history of early heart disease or sudden cardiac death.
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Possess cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes or smoking.
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Experience unexplained chest discomfort, shortness of breath, fatigue or palpitations.
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Are over age 40 (men) or 50 (women) and seeking proactive health screening.
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Previously had a normal stress test but persistent risk concerns.
Our physicians evaluate your medical history and risk profile to determine whether a Cleerly CCTA or another test is appropriate.
What to Expect During Your Cleerly CCTA
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Telemedicine consultation. We discuss your health history, medications and potential need for heart rate control medications.
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Scan appointment. The CT scan takes about 10–15 minutes. You’ll receive a contrast injection but remain fully awake. Our team uses dose‑modulation protocols to keep radiation exposure low.
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AI analysis and review. Cleerly’s software processes your scan, producing a detailed report. A board‑certified physician reviews the findings and creates a personalized plan.
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Follow‑up. We schedule a telemedicine visit to explain your results and recommend preventive strategies.
Safety and Limitations of the Cleerly CCTA
CCTA uses ionizing radiation and iodinated contrast. Modern scanners minimize radiation dose, and the exposure is generally equivalent to a mammogram. Patients with kidney disease or severe contrast allergies may require alternative imaging. Pregnant women and individuals with uncontrolled arrhythmias are typically excluded. Cleerly CCTA does not replace the need for invasive angiography in emergent situations such as acute myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Pricing and Concierge Experience of the Cleerly CCTA
Desert Mobile Medical offers Cleerly CCTA as part of our direct‑pay concierge model, ensuring transparent pricing and a streamlined experience:
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Cleerly Health CCTA: $2,125.00 – includes a pre‑scan telemedicine visit, the CCTA scan + Coronary Artery Calcium Score, AI analysis and a post‑scan consultation.
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Direct‑Pay Model: We do not bill insurance; this eliminates surprise billing and delays.
The Desert Mobile Medical Advantage
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Priority scheduling. We coordinate your scan quickly, with minimal wait times.
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Concierge oversight. Our physicians guide you through every step, from pre‑scan preparation to follow‑up.
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Expert analysis. Results are reviewed by specialists and supported by Cleerly’s AI platform.
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Personalized care plan. Findings are integrated into your ongoing preventive or treatment strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions of Cleerly CCTA
How does Cleerly differ from a traditional stress test?
Stress tests look for reduced blood flow during exercise and typically detect blockages only when the artery is narrowed by > 70 %. Cleerly CCTA identifies plaque at much earlier stages and characterizes both calcified and soft plaque. This allows physicians to intervene before symptoms arise.
Is the scan safe?
Yes. CCTA is non‑invasive and uses low‑dose radiation. Modern CT scanners employ dose‑modulation techniques, and the radiation exposure is comparable to many common diagnostic scans. A contrast dye is used; if you have kidney disease or a contrast allergy, discuss alternative options.
Do I need a referral?
Desert Mobile Medical physicians can evaluate your risk factors and order the scan directly. We coordinate the CT appointment and all follow‑up care within our concierge practice.
How quickly will I receive results?
Results are typically available within a few days. We schedule a follow‑up telemedicine visit to explain the findings and develop a personalized prevention plan.
Does insurance cover Cleerly CCTA?
We operate on a direct‑pay model and do not bill insurance. Some patients may be reimbursed through health savings accounts or by submitting claims to their insurer.
This content is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new therapy.
About the Author
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Dr. Paresh Goel, MD – Dr. Goel is a board‑certified internal medicine physician and the medical director of Desert Mobile Medical. He completed his residency at a major academic medical center and has extensive experience in preventive cardiology and concierge medicine. Dr. Goel regularly reviews emerging diagnostic technologies and integrates evidence‑based innovations into personalized care plans.
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This page was medically reviewed by Dr. Srinivas P. Reddy, MD for accuracy and completeness. For questions about Cleerly CCTA, please contact our office.
