Lung Screening Incidental Finding

Dear Patient

We have been notified from the lung cancer screening program that they have incidentally found that you have moderate coronary artery calcium.

Please see the letter advice from Bedford Cardiology below:

Quote / Testimonial:
Dear GP

Thank you for your letter regarding your patients who have calcification in their coronary arteries seen on CT scanning. They are currently asymptomatic.

In the absence of any symptoms, we do not advocate further investigation for coronary artery disease as we have proven that they have it. There is no survival advantage to perform subsequent invasive procedures in the absence of symptoms. This being the case we recommend that patients have high-dose statin (80 mg of Atorvastatin) and if no contraindications Aspirin 75 mg once daily.

We are currently recommending the European guideline having an LDL cholesterol below 1.4 mmol/L. If this is not achieved with the atorvastatin, then ezetemibe or other agents such as inclisiran may be appropriate. This would be in addition to other risk factors, such as hypertension, for coronary artery disease being appropriately controlled.

Kind Regards

Bedford Hospital Cardiology Consultants

In accordance with the advice, we have increased or started you on atorvastatin 80mg and added aspirin 75mg (if you were not already prescribed this) with a tummy protection tablet. Our Dispensary will contact you once this is ready to collect.

Also, we would like you to have a blood test in 3 months’ time to check your liver function and lipids. Please can you also provide a weeks’ worth of home blood pressure readings. Please collect your blood form from Reception and organise this at the hospital via the below methods:

How to book a blood test at Gilbert Hitchcock House

  1. Book an appointment online (Booking service available 24/7) Patients need to register online first at https://myappointments.online (please choose location as
    Bedford then choose Gilbert Hitchcock House North Wing)
  2. Book an appointment via the automated phone booking line (Booking service available 24/7) 01234 607075
  3. Book an appointment by phone and speak to a receptionist Patients can call Monday to Friday between 10am – 3pm on: 01234 792160

If you have any further queries or any symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath on exertion, please make an appointment to see a GP.

Yours sincerely

Harrold Medical Practice