Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 6, 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

Advanced coronary artery calcification and cerebral small vessel diseases in the healthy elderly

Beom Joon Kim1, Seung-Hoon Lee, Chi Kyung Kim

  • 1Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|December 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is linked to cerebral small vessel diseases (SVDs) like white matter lesions. This suggests shared underlying processes contribute to both heart and brain conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Neurology
  • Radiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores predict coronary heart disease risk and link to atherosclerosis.
  • Cerebral small vessel diseases (SVDs), including white matter lesions (WML), silent lacunar infarction (SLI), and cerebral microbleeds (CMB), are associated with pro-atherogenic conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CAC scores and the presence of SVDs in the brain.
  • To determine if CAC is an independent predictor of cerebral SVDs.

Main Methods:

  • 312 individuals aged ≥65 years with health screening data and brain MRIs were analyzed.
  • CAC scores were measured using multi-detector computed tomography.
  • Cerebral SVDs (WML, SLI, CMB) were independently assessed by two blinded raters.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of CAC (CAC>0) was 71.7% in men and 50.0% in women.
  • Moderate-to-extensive CAC (CAC score ≥100) was significantly associated with WML (aOR 4.99), SLI (aOR 5.04), and CMB (aOR 6.07) after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusions:

  • Significant associations exist between CAC and cerebral SVDs.
  • These findings suggest shared systemic pathogenic processes underlie both cerebral SVDs and CAC.
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

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions07:30

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions

Published on: April 23, 2021

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...
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)...
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...
Dementia l: Introduction01:22

Dementia l: Introduction

Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...
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...