Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

Age-dependent associations between blood pressure and coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic adults

Lawrence F Bielak1, Stephen T Turner, Stanley S Franklin

  • 1Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 48104-3028, USA. ifbielak@umich.edu

Journal of Hypertension
|May 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Blood pressure components have age-dependent roles in predicting coronary artery calcification (CAC). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and pulse pressure (PP) are key predictors in older adults, while diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is significant in younger individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • The relationship between blood pressure (BP) components and coronary artery calcification (CAC) development varies with age.
  • Understanding these age-dependent roles is crucial for predicting cardiovascular disease (CAD) risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the age-specific predictive value of different blood pressure components (systolic, diastolic, mean arterial, and pulse pressure) for coronary artery calcification.
  • To determine if BP components predict CAC similarly to how they predict future CAD events.

Main Methods:

  • A community-based study of 830 asymptomatic, non-diabetic adults aged 30 years and older without prior cardiovascular disease or antihypertensive therapy.
  • Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was quantified using electron beam computed tomography.
  • Tobit regression analysis was performed in two age strata (<50 and >=50 years), adjusting for traditional CAD risk factors.

Main Results:

  • In participants <50 years, CAC was associated with systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and mean arterial pressure (MAP), with DBP being the strongest predictor.
  • In participants >=50 years, CAC was associated with SBP and pulse pressure (PP).
  • When SBP and DBP were analyzed together, SBP and PP emerged as the strongest predictors of CAC, with SBP positively associated and DBP negatively associated.

Conclusions:

  • Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and pulse pressure (PP) exhibit age-dependent roles in predicting coronary artery calcification (CAC).
  • These findings suggest that CAC measurement can serve as a surrogate marker for target organ damage and a predictor of future CAD risk.
  • The study highlights the importance of considering age when evaluating BP components for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation08:43

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

Published on: May 31, 2016

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...
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 IV: Preventive Measures01:26

Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures

Effective preventive measures for coronary artery disease (CAD) focus on controlling modifiable risk factors, including cholesterol abnormalities and lifestyle changes.Cholesterol ManagementFirst, the Mediterranean diet and the American Heart Association advocate for maintaining low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels below 100 mg/dL, with a more stringent recommendation of below 70 mg/dL for individuals at high risk. LDL cholesterol, often termed "bad cholesterol," can lead to the...
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)...
Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...