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Monitoring ER/SR Calcium Release with the Targeted Ca2+ Sensor CatchER+
Published on: May 19, 2017
The latest on the calcium story
Axel Schmermund1, Stefan Möhlenkamp, Raimund Erbel
1Department of Cardiology, University Clinic Essen, Germany. Axel.Schmermunda@uni-essen.de
The American Journal of Cardiology
|December 3, 2002
Summary
Coronary calcium scanning, widely available via cardiac computed tomography (CT), helps assess cardiovascular risk. High calcium scores, especially over 1,000, significantly indicate increased risk, aiding clinical practice.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Preventive Medicine
Background:
- Coronary calcium scanning is now widely accessible in clinical practice.
- Scientific research has clarified the link between coronary plaque and calcium.
- Calcium is often present in ruptured plaques but lacks specificity for unstable disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and clinical utility of coronary calcium scanning.
- To discuss the association between coronary calcium scores and cardiovascular risk.
- To highlight advancements in computed tomography (CT) technology for coronary calcium assessment.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing cardiac spiral computed tomography (CT) for widespread availability.
- Employing 4-slice spiral CT scanners with electrocardiographic triggering (prospective or retrospective).
- Comparing results with electron-beam CT and evaluating new scoring algorithms.
Main Results:
- Accumulating data indicate coronary calcium is associated with atherosclerotic disease activity.
- Very high calcium scores (e.g., >1,000) are linked to significantly increased cardiovascular risk.
- Cardiac spiral CT provides direct diagnostic visualization of coronary arteries in clinical practice.
Conclusions:
- Coronary calcium scanning is a valuable, accessible tool for assessing cardiovascular risk.
- High calcium scores are a strong indicator of significant cardiovascular risk.
- Advancements in CT technology offer opportunities and challenges for standardization and interpretation.
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