Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
04:40
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Electrocardiogram abnormalities and coronary calcification in postmenopausal women
Siamak Sabour1, Diederick Grobbee, Annemarieke Rutten
1Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ; Faculty of Health and Nutrition, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
The Journal of Tehran Heart Center
|October 18, 2012
Summary
Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities indicating subclinical ischemia are common in postmenopausal women and frequently associated with coronary artery calcification (CAC). This suggests ECG findings may help identify individuals at higher risk for coronary heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Electrocardiograms (ECG) detect subclinical myocardial damage.
- Coronary artery calcification (CAC) quantifies atherosclerotic burden and predicts myocardial infarction.
- The relationship between ECG abnormalities, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), and CAC requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the association between ECG abnormalities (LVH, T-axis, QRS-T angle) and CAC in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- 566 postmenopausal women from a population-based cohort were analyzed.
- ECG assessed LVH and repolarization abnormalities (T-axis, QRS-T angle) using the Modular ECG Analysis System (MEANS).
- Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was quantified using Agatston scores from multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT).
Main Results:
- Prevalence of LVH was 2.7%, T-axis abnormality 6%, and QRS-T angle abnormality 8.5%.
- CAC was present in 62% of women.
- Abnormal T-axes (OR 3.8) and QRS-T angles (OR 2.0) were significantly associated with the presence of CAC.
Conclusions:
- ECG abnormalities indicative of subclinical ischemia are common in postmenopausal women.
- CAC is frequently found in women with these ECG abnormalities.
- CAC may partially explain the elevated coronary heart disease risk linked to specific ECG findings.
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...
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
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...
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...
01:29Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...