Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 5, 2026

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro
11:30

A Semi-Automated and Reproducible Biological-Based Method to Quantify Calcium Deposition In Vitro

Published on: June 2, 2022

2.7K

Risk Factors for Long-Term Coronary Artery Calcium Progression in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Amanda J Gassett1, Lianne Sheppard1, Robyn L McClelland1

  • 1University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA (A.J.G., L.S., R.L.M.C., C.O., R.K., J.D.K.).

Journal of the American Heart Association
|August 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcium (CAC) progression over 10 years shows strong links to cardiovascular disease risk factors like age, male sex, hypertension, and diabetes. This longitudinal analysis helps evaluate new risk factors for heart events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) quantifies atherosclerosis burden via cardiac CT.
  • Higher CAC levels correlate with increased coronary events.
  • Previous studies on CAC progression had limitations in follow-up duration or patient selection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cardiovascular disease risk factors and CAC progression.
  • To analyze CAC changes over a 10-year period in a multiethnic cohort.
  • To utilize an innovative analytical approach for assessing CAC progression.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective multiethnic cohort study involving 6810 adults.
  • Coronary artery calcium (CAC) measured 1-4 times over 10 years (mean 2.5 scans).
  • Mixed-effects models used to analyze associations between risk factors and CAC progression, adjusting for time-varying factors and baseline CAC.

Main Results:

  • Mean CAC progression was 23.9 Agatston units/year.
  • Significant associations found between CAC progression and age, male sex, hypertension, and diabetes.
  • Age: 14.2 units/year per 10 years; Male sex: 17.8 units/year; Hypertension: 13.8 units/year; Diabetes: 31.3 units/year.

Conclusions:

  • Longitudinal CAC progression over 10 years strongly correlates with established cardiovascular disease risk factors.
  • This analytical framework enables the evaluation of novel cardiovascular risk factors using longitudinal CAC data.
Abstract

Keywords:
atherosclerosiscalciumrisk factors

More Related Videos

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans04:40

Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans

Published on: August 28, 2018

16.4K
Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection06:57

Author Spotlight: Advancing Cardiovascular Imaging - Introducing the Spatially Weighted Calcium Score for Early Disease Detection

Published on: September 22, 2023

1.6K

Related Concept Videos

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...
1.7K
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...
864
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...
859
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...
994
Atherosclerosis I: Introduction01:30

Atherosclerosis I: Introduction

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disorder characterized by the buildup of plaques on the arterial inner wall, causing them to narrow and harden over time. These plaques comprise lipids, calcium, blood components, carbohydrates, and fibrous tissue. The process primarily affects the intima of large and medium-sized arteries, reducing blood flow in any artery.Etiology and risk factorsThe cause of atherosclerosis is multifactorial, involving a complex interplay among endothelial injury, lipid...
2.0K
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)...
755