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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

Aortic calcification

R W Jayalath1, S H Mangan, J Golledge

  • 1Vascular Biology Unit, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, James Cook University, Townsville, Qld 4811, Australia.

European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery : the Official Journal of the European Society for Vascular Surgery
|June 21, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Abdominal aortic calcification, a complication of atherosclerosis, correlates with increased mortality and cardiovascular events. Further research is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and refine risk assessment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Vascular Biology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Vascular calcification is a significant complication in advanced atherosclerosis.
  • Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a common manifestation in this patient population.
  • Understanding AAC is crucial for assessing cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge on abdominal aortic calcification.
  • To summarize mechanisms, measurement, risk factors, and outcomes associated with AAC.
  • To identify gaps in current research regarding AAC.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Databases searched included MEDLINE and PubMed.
  • Keywords used were 'abdominal', 'aortic', and 'calcification'.

Main Results:

  • Thirty relevant studies were analyzed.
  • Abdominal aortic calcification is positively correlated with older age, hypertension, and smoking.
  • AAC is associated with increased mortality, coronary heart disease, and stroke risk.

Conclusions:

  • Abdominal aortic calcification is a predictor of cardiovascular events.
  • The precise mechanisms linking AAC to adverse outcomes require further investigation.
  • Accurate measurement of AAC holds potential for improved cardiovascular risk stratification.
Abstract

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