Barbara: A scan that sparked a transformation

A wake-up call with life-changing impact 

At 74, Barbara considered herself in good health. But when she volunteered for a research study in 2018, a routine bone density scan revealed something unexpected – abdominal aortic calcification (AAC), a build-up of calcium in the body’s largest artery. 

AAC is a strong warning sign of future cardiovascular events, even in people without other risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. 

“I came away thinking, ‘Okay, I have an issue to sort out. I’ve got a challenge – and I’m grateful to know.’” 

For Barbara, her AAC result was a turning point. She began walking daily, lost 18 kilograms, and discovered a passion for boxing – boosting her strength, balance and mental clarity. 

“I feel like a different person. I wonder if I would have taken on the challenge if I hadn’t had the wake-up call.” 

Turning routine scans into prevention tools 

Barbara is now a strong advocate of the Catalyst Project, A message from the heart: a new solution to screen for blood vessel calcification. Professor Josh Lewis and his team are using existing bone density machines – commonly used to check for osteoporosis – to also screen for AAC, at the same time.  

Because AAC often appears earlier in the abdominal aorta than calcification in the heart’s arteries, it offers a critical window for early detection. This approach provides a low-cost, scalable way to identify hidden cardiovascular risk and help people act before symptoms start. 

Barbara believes this type of screening should be more widely available.

“I think anyone my age would want to know [about their AAC]. It gave me the motivation to make changes.” 

Early action saves lives 

Barbara’s story reminds us that AAC screening isn’t just data – it’s a catalyst for change. By turning routine scans into a tool for identifying cardiovascular risk, this initiative can help people take early, informed action to protect their long-term heart health. 

Support AAC screening. Help bring this world-first heart screening technology to people - identifying risk early and empowering them to act.  Learn more about our Catalyst Partner.