This is a cross-section of a coronary artery with plaque buildup: "A" shows inserted deflated balloon catheter; balloon is inflated in "B"; "C" shows widened artery. Source: National Heart ...

Patients with narrowing of at least 50% in three major coronary arteries did equally ... amount of plaque in the most severely narrowed cross-section of an artery) was above 70%.

A new study could lead to more widespread use of imaging technique to improve survival and prevent complications.