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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

[Prevalence of arterial calcification and related risk factors. The multicenter population-based ARTPER study]

Maria Teresa Alzamora1, Rosa Forés, Pere Torán

  • 1Centro de Salud Riu Nord-Riu Sud, Institut Català de la Salut, Santa Coloma de Gramenet, Barcelona, España.

Gaceta Sanitaria
|October 28, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Arterial calcification affects 6.2% of adults over 49, being more common in men. Early detection via ankle-brachial index measurement is recommended for at-risk individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Epidemiology
  • Vascular Medicine

Context:

  • Arterial calcification is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • The ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a non-invasive measure of peripheral artery disease.
  • Prevalence and associated factors of arterial calcification in the general population over 49 years old require further investigation.

Purpose:

  • To determine the prevalence of arterial calcification, defined as an ABI ≥1.4, in individuals over 49 years old.
  • To identify factors associated with arterial calcification in this demographic.

Summary:

  • A cross-sectional study of 3,786 participants aged >49 years was conducted.
  • Arterial calcification (ABI ≥1.4) was present in 6.2% of the population.
  • Factors associated with arterial calcification included older age, prior cardiovascular events, diabetes, obesity, and reduced physical activity.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight the importance of measuring ABI in primary care to screen for arterial calcification.
  • Recommendations include screening men, individuals with diabetes, overweight/obesity, physical activity limitations, and those with left ventricular hypertrophy.
  • Early detection can facilitate timely interventions to mitigate cardiovascular risk.
Abstract

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