Comparing routine and as-needed stress testing for patients with high coronary calcium

SMart Angioplasty Research Team-Pragmatic Randomized Trial for Comparing Routine Versus As-Needed EXercise or Pharmacologic Stress Testing in Asymptomatic Patients With High-Risk Coronary CalciuM (SMART-EXAM)

Not applicable Interventional Samsung Medical Center · NCT05796739

This study is testing whether regular stress tests are better than only doing them when needed for people who have a high coronary calcium score but no heart disease symptoms.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3000 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSamsung Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Seoul)
Trial IDNCT05796739 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The SMART-EXAM trial aims to evaluate the differences in major adverse cardiovascular events between routine stress testing and as-needed stress testing in asymptomatic patients who have a high coronary calcium score (Agatston Score ≥ 400). This study focuses on individuals without proven atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and seeks to determine the effectiveness of stress testing in this specific population. By utilizing non-invasive stress tests, the trial will assess whether routine testing provides significant benefits over a more selective approach based on patient needs. The findings could influence guidelines on stress testing practices for high-risk individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are asymptomatic individuals aged 19 and older with a high coronary calcium score of 400 or greater.

Not a fit: Patients with documented inducible ischemia or significant coronary artery stenosis, as well as those with a history of coronary revascularization, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more tailored and effective cardiovascular risk assessment strategies for asymptomatic patients with high coronary calcium.

How similar studies have performed: While there is existing literature on the use of coronary artery calcium scoring, this specific comparison of routine versus as-needed stress testing in asymptomatic patients is a novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject must be at least 19 years of age. ② Asymptomatic patients with high-risk coronary calcium (Agatston Score ≥ 400)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Documentation of objective evidence of inducible ischemia before enrollment

  * Presence of significant coronary artery stenosis (≥ 70% diameter stenosis) confirmed by coronary angiography or coronary computed tomography angiography before enrollment

    * History of coronary revascularization procedure ④ Pregnancy or breast feeding ⑤ Non-cardiac co-morbid conditions are present with life expectancy \<1 year or that may result in protocol non-compliance (per site investigator's medical judgment) ⑥ Unwillingness or inability to comply with the procedures described in this protocol.

Where this trial is running

Seoul

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Coronary Atherosclerosis Due to Calcified Coronary LesionNon-invasive stress testCoronary calcificationAgatston score
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.