Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 4, 2026
Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Aortic Arch Calcification on Routine Chest Radiography is Strongly and Independently Associated with Non-Dipper Blood
Adem Adar1, Orhan Onalan1, Fahri Cakan1
1Karabuk University Faculty of Medicine - Cardiology, Karabuk - Turkey.
Insights
Aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest X-rays can predict non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) patterns. This finding may help identify individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular events.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
- Hypertension Research
Background:
- Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is a significant risk factor for hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events.
- Currently, a practical tool for predicting NDBP patterns is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) visible on chest radiography and the NDBP pattern.
Main Methods:
- A total of 406 patients undergoing ambulatory BP monitoring were assessed.
- NDBP was defined as a nighttime systolic BP reduction of ≤10% compared to daytime values.
- AAC was evaluated using chest radiography, with statistical analysis including logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The study included 406 patients (median age 51.3), with 64% exhibiting NDBP.
- Aortic arch calcification (AAC) prevalence was 57% overall.
- The NDBP group showed a significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- The presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is a strong and independent predictor of the NDBP pattern.
- This association highlights AAC as a potential marker for identifying individuals with NDBP.
Background:
Non-dipper blood pressure (NDBP) is one of the important causes of hypertension-related target organ damage and future cardiovascular events. Currently, there is no practical tool to predict NDBP pattern.
Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between aortic arch calcification (AAC) on chest radiography and NDBP pattern.
Methods:
All patients referred for ambulatory BP monitoring test were approached for the study participation. NDBP was defined as the reduction of ≤10% in nighttime systolic BP as compared to the daytime values. AAC was evaluated with chest radiography and inter-observer agreement was analyzed by using kappa statistics. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to assess the association of AAC and NDBP pattern. A 2-tailed p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results:
A total of 406 patients (median age: 51.3) were included. Of these, 261(64%) had NDBP pattern. Overall, the prevalence of AAC was 230 (57%). Non-dipper group had significantly higher prevalence of AAC (70% vs. 33%, p < 0.0001) as compared to the dipper group. Presence of AAC was a strong and independent predictor of NDBP pattern (OR 3.919, 95%CI 2.39 to 6.42) in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
Presence of AAC on plain chest radiography is strongly and independently associated with the presence of NDBP pattern.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Aneurysm II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
01:20Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
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...
01:25Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System VI: Calcium -Scoring CT
01:22Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:17Measurement of Blood Pressure
01:21Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation