Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images
06:57

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images

Published on: September 22, 2023

Relation of coronary artery calcium to left ventricular mass in African-Americans

Wenjing Tong1, Joao A Lima, Hong Lai

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutes, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.

The American Journal of Cardiology
|February 19, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) deposits and increased left ventricular (LV) mass are linked. Larger LV mass was observed in individuals with CAC, suggesting a connection between these coronary heart disease risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Imaging
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) and left ventricular (LV) mass are established risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD).
  • The relationship between CAC and LV mass, particularly in younger populations, remains understudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the correlation between coronary artery calcium (CAC) deposits and left ventricular (LV) mass.
  • To explore potential links between these two cardiovascular risk factors in a specific demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study involving 159 African-Americans aged young to middle-aged.
  • Assessment of coronary artery calcium (CAC) presence and quantification.
  • Measurement of left ventricular (LV) mass using cardiac imaging techniques.

Main Results:

  • Individuals with detectable CAC (CAC-positive) exhibited significantly higher average LV mass indexes compared to those without CAC (CAC-negative) in men (p = 0.0004).
  • A similar trend of increased LV mass in CAC-positive individuals was observed in women, though not statistically significant (p = 0.08).

Conclusions:

  • A positive association exists between coronary artery calcium (CAC) and left ventricular (LV) mass in young to middle-aged African-Americans.
  • These findings suggest a potential interplay between CAC and LV hypertrophy as risk factors for cardiovascular disease in this population.

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

Related Concept Videos

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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
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...
Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology01:26

Coronary Artery Disease II: Pathophysiology

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) originates from a series of events that impair the function of coronary arteries, the blood vessels responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. The pathophysiology of CAD is closely linked to atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory and lipid-driven condition affecting the vascular endothelium.1. Endothelial DamageThe process begins with damage to the vascular endothelium, which serves as a protective barrier between the blood and the vessel...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies

Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...