Cleerly CCTA represents a meaningful leap forward because it focuses on soft plaque, the most dangerous and easily missed form of coronary artery disease. As a physician, I find this especially compelling. As an educator, I find it empowering. Most importantly, as a patient advocate, I see it as a chance to intervene earlier, smarter, and more precisely than ever before.
Let’s walk through why soft plaque matters, why traditional tests fall short, and how Cleerly CCTA brings clarity to a once-hidden threat
For many years, doctors relied on stress tests and standard angiograms. While these tools still have value, they share a major weakness.
A stress test measures how well the heart pumps during exercise. Therefore, it usually becomes abnormal only when an artery is already badly narrowed. Similarly, a standard angiogram shows major blockages inside the artery. However, it does not always show what is happening within the artery wall.
Soft plaque hides inside that wall.
Because soft plaque does not always block blood flow, stress tests may look normal. Likewise, angiograms may miss it because it is not calcified. Consequently, patients may be told their heart looks fine—even when early disease is forming.
This gap in detection is where CCTA makes a difference.
There are two main types of plaque in the coronary arteries:
- Hard (calcified) plaque, which is more stable
- Soft (non-calcified) plaque, which is fatty and inflamed
Soft plaque is more likely to rupture. When rupture occurs, a clot can form quickly. If that clot blocks blood flow, a heart attack can follow.
Importantly, soft plaque often causes no warning signs. Many people feel healthy until a sudden event occurs. Therefore, finding soft plaque early is critical.
Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography, or CCTA, is a special heart scan. It uses advanced CT imaging and contrast dye to create detailed pictures of the coronary arteries.
Unlike stress tests, CCTA allows doctors to see the artery wall itself. As a result, they can detect plaque before it causes major narrowing.
Over the past twenty years, CCTA has become a key tool in modern heart care. However, Cleerly has added another layer of precision.
Cleerly uses FDA-cleared artificial intelligence to analyze CCTA images. Instead of relying only on visual judgment, the system measures plaque directly.
First, it maps each coronary artery in three dimensions. Next, it measures how much plaque is present. Then, it identifies whether the plaque is soft, mixed, or hard.
Because the software measures plaque volume and type, doctors receive detailed and objective data. Therefore, they can better understand a patient’s true risk.
This approach shifts the focus from “Is there a blockage?” to “Is disease starting to form?”
That shift is powerful.
When doctors find soft plaque early, they can act sooner. Lifestyle changes, cholesterol treatment, blood pressure control, and exercise can stabilize plaque. In some cases, plaque may even shrink.
Studies show that patients evaluated with CCTA often receive earlier treatment. Consequently, they experience fewer unexpected cardiac events compared with those evaluated only with traditional testing.
Early detection leads to early protection.
Access to advanced imaging should not feel difficult or stressful. Concierge mobile cardiac screening helps solve that problem.
Mobile services bring advanced testing closer to patients. Therefore, people avoid long hospital waits and crowded settings. In addition, consultations are often longer and more personalized.
This model improves convenience and patient engagement. Furthermore, it removes barriers such as transportation challenges and scheduling delays.
When testing becomes easier, prevention becomes more likely.
Soft plaque increases the risk of coronary artery disease because it can rupture without warning. When rupture occurs, blood flow can stop suddenly.
Family history, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, and chronic stress all raise the risk of plaque buildup. However, only imaging can show what is actually happening inside the arteries.
Cleerly CCTA provides that direct view. Because patients can see objective evidence of plaque, many feel more motivated to improve diet, exercise habits, and medication adherence.
Clear information drives stronger action.
During consultation, the doctor reviews medical history and risk factors. Next, the imaging process is explained in simple terms.
The scan itself is non-invasive and typically takes a short time. Afterward, Cleerly software analyzes the images and produces a detailed report. Finally, the physician discusses the results and outlines a personalized plan.
The goal is not just diagnosis. The goal is prevention.
Most heart attacks do not begin on the day symptoms appear. Instead, they start years earlier with soft plaque hidden in the artery wall.
Traditional tests often miss this early stage. However, Cleerly CCTA offers a clearer and more detailed view. By identifying soft plaque early, it allows patients and physicians to act before damage occurs.
The heart usually whispers before it shouts. With the right imaging, we can finally hear it—and respond in time.
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