Coronary artery calcium incidence and changes using direct plaque measurements: The MASALA study

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Radiology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is a marker of atherosclerosis.
• Predictors of CAC progression in South Asian populations require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify predictors of changes in CAC volume and density.
• To analyze risk factors associated with CAC progression in South Asian individuals.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from the Mediators of Atherosclerosis in South Asians Living in America (MASALA) study.
• Analyzed serial computed tomography (CT) scans from 2010-2018 to measure CAC volume and density.
• Employed multivariable linear regression models to identify risk factors for CAC progression.

Main Results:

• Smoking was significantly associated with increased CAC volume (β +190.1, p=0.02).
• Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] and exercise were associated with changes in CAC density (Lp(a): β +0.81, p=0.03; Exercise: β +0.19, p=0.01).
• Baseline CAC volume and scan interval also predicted changes in total CAC volume.

Conclusions:

• Smoking is a key predictor of CAC volume progression in South Asians.
• Lp(a) levels and regular exercise are associated with the progression of CAC density.
• These findings highlight specific modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing atherosclerosis in this demographic.