Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2026
04:40
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Differences in coronary plaque composition with aging measured by coronary computed tomography angiography
Rajesh Tota-Maharaj1, Michael J Blaha, Juan J Rivera
1Johns Hopkins Ciccarone Preventive Cardiology Center, Baltimore, MD, United States.
International Journal of Cardiology
|February 15, 2011
Summary
Aging significantly impacts coronary plaque composition, with older individuals showing increased mixed and calcified plaques. Cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) effectively reveals these age-related changes in plaque types.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Geriatric Cardiology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- The independent effect of aging on coronary plaque characteristics using cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) remains largely unknown.
- Understanding age-related plaque changes is crucial for cardiovascular risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between age and coronary plaque morphology and composition in an asymptomatic South Korean population.
- To determine how aging influences the burden of different coronary plaque subtypes: non-calcified (NCAP), mixed (MCAP), and calcified (CAP).
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1015 asymptomatic individuals underwent 64-slice CCTA.
- Coronary plaques were classified based on calcified tissue percentage (CAP, MCAP, NCAP).
- Multiple regression analysis assessed the relationship between age tertiles and plaque type burden, adjusted for cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- Coronary plaque prevalence significantly increased with age (7.5% to 38.5%).
- The proportion of NCAP decreased with age, while MCAP and CAP increased.
- Older individuals exhibited substantially higher burdens of MCAP (nearly 40-fold) and CAP (16-fold) compared to the youngest tertile.
Conclusions:
- CCTA is a valuable tool for quantifying age-related differences in coronary plaque subtypes.
- Aging is associated with a significant shift towards more advanced plaque types (MCAP and CAP).
- Further research is needed to ascertain if these age-related plaque changes independently contribute to increased cardiovascular risk.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Imaging 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...
01:30Coronary 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...
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
01:27Atherosclerosis 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)...
01:26Coronary 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...
01:30Acute 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...