Comprehensive Cardiovascular Screening in Men Aged 60-64 Does Not Significantly Reduce Mortality

A recent large-scale study has found that offering comprehensive cardiovascular screenings to men aged 60 to 64 does not lead to a significant decrease in all-cause mortality. Presented at ESC Congress 2025, the research evaluated whether early detection through screening could improve survival rates in this age group. The study involved over 31,000 men in Denmark, who were randomized into two groups: one invited for screening and the other serving as a control with no invitation. Screening included non-contrast ECG-guided CT scans to assess coronary artery calcium, blood tests for cholesterol and diabetes, blood pressure measurements, and assessments for aneurysms and atrial fibrillation. Participants in the screening group were prescribed statins or antithrombotic agents based on results, while the primary outcome measured was death from any cause over approximately seven years of follow-up.

Results showed that 9.3% of men invited to screening and 9.9% of men in the control group died during the follow-up period, indicating no statistically significant reduction in mortality (hazard ratio 0.94; p=0.169). Secondary outcomes, including major cardiovascular events such as stroke, myocardial infarction, and cardiovascular death, also did not differ significantly between the groups. However, the screening group experienced a higher incidence of severe bleeding, likely due to increased aspirin use, highlighting risks associated with primary prevention strategies in this population.

The study’s principal investigator, Professor Axel Cosmus Pyndt Diederichsen, noted that these findings suggest population-based screening in men aged 60-64 may offer limited benefits regarding lifespan extension. He pointed out that the lack of significant mortality reduction could be related to the relatively younger age group or low participation rates, as only about 63% of those invited attended screening. The increased bleeding risk underscores the importance of careful patient selection when considering preventive medication use.

In conclusion, while early detection of CVD is crucial, this study indicates that routine comprehensive screening for men aged 60 to 64 may not reduce death rates and could pose additional health risks. Future research may explore similar screening approaches in women or different age groups to optimize prevention strategies.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-09-significant-reduction-death-comprehensive-cardiovascular.html