An artery scan for the presence of calcium deposits has been shown to accurately predict the risk of death in American adults, according to new research.

According to Dr. Matthew Budoff, a co-author of the study, the artery scans are the “best predictor” thus far related to artery calcium build up and associated death risk.

The results of the study were printed in the July 1 edition of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

The calcium scans checks the Arteries of the heart for calcification. Calcification is also known as hardening of the arteries. The hardening of the arteries, most often linked to a high fat diet, can lead to blockage of Blood vessels, heart attacks, strokes and other heart related illnesses.

The efficacy of these scans is often debated due to the promotion of the scans by for-profit businesses. The scans cost $300 or more in most cases.

These new study results may help to put the debatable thoughts at bay due to the fact that researchers have reported a significant link between the scan results and overall death risk.

Previous studies have also reported the positive link between the scan results and death risk. One study completed earlier in the year, examined more than 6,500 patients (both men and women). The results of that study concluded a 10 times higher risk of a coronary event in patients with high calcium deposit scores when compared to patients with the lowest scores.

This new study focused on more than 35,000 patients between the ages of 40 and 80. The patients were followed for nearly 6 years after having the calcium scan completed. The scan results noted those patients who were at higher risk for a coronary event, as well as the overall survival chances of the patients if a coronary event were to occur.

The American Heart Association and the American College of Cardiology recommend the artery scans for patients who are at intermediate to high risk for heart disease, Heart attack and Stroke, among other coronary conditions.