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Relationship between Cardiovascular Calcium and Atrial Fibrillation
Sung Ho Lee1, Mi Yeon Lee2, Seung Yong Shin3
1Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul 03181, Korea.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|January 21, 2022
Summary
High coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is linked to a greater risk of atrial fibrillation (AF). Extra-coronary calcification also shows a significant association with AF in individuals with moderate to very high CACS.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Preventive Medicine
- Radiology
Background:
- Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a known predictor of cardiovascular events.
- The association between CACS burden, extra-coronary calcification, and atrial fibrillation (AF) requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between CACS, extra-coronary calcification, and the prevalence of AF.
- To determine if the extent of coronary and extra-coronary calcification influences AF risk.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 143,529 participants undergoing cardiac CT and electrocardiography (2010-2018).
- Evaluation of CACS, aortic valve calcium, and thoracic aorta calcium in relation to AF diagnosis.
- Multivariable analysis adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.
Main Results:
- AF prevalence increased significantly with higher CACS (p < 0.01).
- High CACS (≥1000) was independently associated with AF (OR 2.26).
- In participants with CACS ≥100, aortic valve and thoracic aorta calcification were significantly associated with AF (ORs 3.49 and 2.19, respectively).
Conclusions:
- Elevated CACS is significantly associated with an increased risk of AF.
- Extra-coronary calcification, particularly in the aortic valve and thoracic aorta, is linked to AF in individuals with moderate to very high CACS.
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