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Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis: racial profiling is necessary!
Sarwar H Orakzai1, Raza H Orakzai, Khurram Nasir
1Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
American Heart Journal
|October 31, 2006
Summary
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) prevalence and severity differ significantly across ethnic groups, particularly in men and the elderly. Ethnic-specific risk prediction models are needed to accurately assess cardiac risk.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Ethnic variations in coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and progression remain unclear.
- Subclinical disease detection, such as coronary artery calcification (CAC), may reveal racial differences in CAD rates.
- CAC is a validated predictor of CAD risk in both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature comparing coronary calcification across diverse ethnic groups.
- To synthesize current understanding of ethnic variations in CAC prevalence, severity, and risk prediction.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of online databases for studies investigating racial differences in CAC.
- Analysis of prevalence, severity, and risk factor-adjusted data on CAC across ethnic populations.
Main Results:
- Most studies indicate significant ethnic differences in CAC prevalence and severity.
- White individuals exhibit higher CAC prevalence than African Americans and other groups, even after risk factor adjustment.
- Differences are more pronounced in men and older adults; data outside the US is limited, showing lower CAC despite higher risk factors compared to Americans.
Conclusions:
- CAC presence and extent vary significantly among ethnic groups, both within and outside the US.
- Further research is required to elucidate the relationship between CAC and CAD incidence across ethnicities.
- Development of ethnic-specific CAC nomograms and outcome data analysis is crucial for accurate cardiac risk prediction.
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