Coronary artery calcium score as independent risk factor of obstructive coronary artery disease

Aim: To prove an independence of CAC score comparatively to conventional risk factors such as age, and dyslipidemia especially in patients under forty years of age.

Materials and Methods: Thirty-four asymptomatic adult patients with no prior established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus or severe comorbidities, except of complex clinical examination, underwent CT scan with evaluation of coronary artery calcium score.

Results: The average total cholesterol level in the group was (5.62±1.02) mmol/l, indicating the presence of dyslipidemia. The average HDL level was (1.26±0.24) mmol/l, suggesting an average risk of atherosclerosis. The average LDL levels were within the borderline range at (3.63±1.01) mmol/l. The average triglyceride level was within the safe range at (1.93±1.08) mmol/l. The atherogenicity coefficient indicated a moderate risk of atherosclerosis with an average value of 3.64±1.31. The average coronary artery calcium score was 56.71±143.85, indicating minor plaques and a moderate risk of coronary artery disease. Correlation analysis revealed no significant correlation between age and the CAC score (r=0.1, p>0.05). However, reliable direct correlation of weak strength was found between the CAC score and LDL level (r=0.35, p<0.05). Direct correlations of weak strength were also observed between age and the levels of total cholesterol, LDL and the atherogenicity coefficient (r=0.43, 0.49, 0.42 respectively, p<0.05).

Conclusions: Coronary artery calcium score is a valuable screening tool for identifying potential obstructive coronary artery disease, not only for individuals aged forty and above, but also for younger asymptomatic patients.