Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 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

Coronary calcium scanning independently detects coronary artery disease in asymptomatic firefighters: a prospective

Lawrence J Santora1, Priya Pillutla, Teresa Norris

  • 1Orange County Heart Institute and Research Center, 1140 West La Veta, Ste 640, Orange, CA 92668, USA. lsantora@cox.net

Journal of Cardiovascular Computed Tomography
|February 12, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Firefighters show a high prevalence of coronary calcium, a marker of atherosclerosis, exceeding typical risk factor predictions. This finding highlights the need for advanced cardiac screening in this occupational group.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Imaging
  • Occupational Health
  • Preventive Cardiology

Background:

  • Sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of mortality among US firefighters.
  • Fire departments utilize physical exams and exercise stress tests for coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate if coronary calcium scoring via electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) improves risk stratification in asymptomatic firefighters beyond traditional risk factors.
  • To assess the incremental value of EBCT-derived coronary calcium in identifying cardiac risk in firefighters.

Main Methods:

  • 399 asymptomatic firefighters underwent EBCT for coronary calcium assessment.
  • Agatston scores were calculated and compared to national age- and sex-matched databases to determine calcium percentiles.
  • Framingham risk factor data were collected via questionnaire.

Main Results:

  • Coronary calcium was detected in men over 34 years old.
  • 53% of firefighters had detectable coronary calcium (Agatston score > 0), with 87% showing scores higher than the national average (P < 0.01).
  • 57% of firefighters had Agatston scores above the 75th percentile; traditional risk factors did not correlate with calcium presence.

Conclusions:

  • Firefighters exhibit a substantial burden of calcified coronary atherosclerosis.
  • The prevalence of coronary calcium in firefighters is higher than predicted by age and traditional risk factors.
  • Coronary calcium assessment may offer valuable risk stratification for firefighters.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images06:57

Semi-Automatic Graphical Tool for Measuring Coronary Artery Spatially Weighted Calcium Score from Gated Cardiac Computed Tomography Images

Published on: September 22, 2023

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease06:16

Signal Acquisition, Score Interpretation, and Economics of a Non-Invasive Point-of-Care Test for Coronary Artery Disease

Published on: August 9, 2024

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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT01:28

Imaging 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...
Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies01:30

Acute 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...
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging 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...
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...
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...