Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
08:43

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation

Published on: May 31, 2016

Relation of nonobstructive aortic valve calcium to carotid arterial atherosclerosis

Y Adler1, U Levinger, A Koren

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tiqva, Israel.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|November 14, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Aortic valve calcium (AVC) is linked to a higher risk of stroke, potentially due to associated carotid artery atherosclerosis. This study found a significant association between AVC and carotid atherosclerotic disease, independent of traditional risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Radiology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Aortic valve calcium (AVC) presence is associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk, including stroke.
  • The underlying mechanism linking AVC to stroke risk remains incompletely understood.
  • Carotid artery atherosclerosis is a known cause of stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between aortic valve calcium (AVC) and carotid artery atherosclerotic disease.
  • To determine if AVC is an independent predictor of severe carotid stenosis.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 3,949 patients diagnosed with AVC without significant stenosis.
  • Carotid artery duplex ultrasound was performed on 279 AVC patients and 277 matched controls.
  • Multivariate analysis was used to assess predictors of severe carotid atherosclerotic disease.

Main Results:

  • The AVC group showed a significantly higher prevalence of carotid stenosis across all severity levels compared to controls.
  • Severe carotid stenosis (>80% to 100%) was significantly more common in the AVC group (32% vs 14%).
  • AVC was identified as the sole independent predictor of severe carotid atherosclerotic disease (stenosis >80% to 100%).

Conclusions:

  • Aortic valve calcium is significantly associated with the presence and severity of carotid artery atherosclerotic disease.
  • This association suggests that AVC may contribute to stroke risk through shared atherosclerotic pathways in the carotid arteries.
  • AVC is an independent predictor of severe carotid stenosis, highlighting its clinical significance beyond the aortic valve.

More Related Videos

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat04:30

Investigating Aortic Valve Calcification via Isolation and Culture of T Lymphocytes using Feeder Cells from Irradiated Buffy Coat

Published on: February 4, 2021

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro05:47

Isolation of Mouse Interstitial Valve Cells to Study the Calcification of the Aortic Valve In Vitro

Published on: May 10, 2021

Related Concept Videos

The Arch of Aorta01:10

The Arch of Aorta

The coronary arteries, originating from the ascending aorta, bifurcate from two sinuses located within the ascending aorta. Positioned just above the aortic semilunar valve, these sinuses house essential aortic baroreceptors and chemoreceptors, crucial for maintaining cardiac function. The left coronary artery and the right coronary artery branch off from the left posterior and anterior aortic sinuses, respectively.
Encircling the heart, the coronary arteries form a ring-like structure before...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT01:25

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT

Calcium-Scoring CT ScanA calcium-scoring CT scan, also known as coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan, detects calcium deposits in the coronary arteries. This test assesses the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD), which can lead to cardiovascular events such as angina, heart failure, and sudden cardiac arrest.A calcium-scoring CT scan is generally recommended for individuals at intermediate risk of CAD without symptoms. It includes:Men aged 40-75 and women aged 50-75: Especially those with a...
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests01:27

Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder that leads to the thickening and narrowing of arterial walls due to plaque buildup. This condition can cause various symptoms depending on the arteries affected:Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This condition affects the coronary arteries and may lead to chest pain (angina), shortness of breath (dyspnea), heart attacks, and other heart disease symptoms.Cerebrovascular Disease: This affects blood flow to the brain, causing transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)...
Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:21

Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Thoracic, aortic arch and abdominal aneurysms are significant vascular conditions that can present with various clinical manifestations and lead to serious complications. Understanding these manifestations and the appropriate diagnostic studies is essential for effective management and treatment.Thoracic Aortic AneurysmsThoracic aortic aneurysms often remain asymptomatic until they reach a size that impinges on adjacent structures. They typically cause deep, diffuse chest pain that radiates to...