Analysis of the relationship between abdominal aortic calcification and frailty in the middle-aged and older US population
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Updated: May 17, 2025
Calcification of Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Imaging of Aortic Calcification and Inflammation
Published on: May 31, 2016
Rena Rehemuding1, Kaisaierjiang Kadier1, Xinliang Peng1
1Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.
Insights
Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is linked to a higher likelihood of frailty in older adults. This study suggests AAC scoring may help identify frailty early.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Biomedical Imaging
Background:
- Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a known indicator of cardiovascular disease and mortality in older adults.
- The association between AAC and frailty, a state of increased vulnerability, has not been well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and frailty in middle-aged and older US adults.
- To determine if AAC can serve as an early marker for identifying frailty.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Quantified AAC using the Kauppila scoring system via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
- Assessed frailty using the frailty index and analyzed associations with multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Included 2987 adults aged 40 years and older.
- Higher AAC scores (AAC-8 ≥ 3 and AAC-24 > 6) were significantly associated with increased odds of frailty.
- Even lower levels of AAC (AAC-8 = 1-2 and 0 < AAC-24 ≤ 6) showed a positive correlation with frailty.
Conclusions:
- A significant positive correlation exists between abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) and frailty in middle-aged and older US adults.
- AAC scoring shows potential as a valuable, non-invasive tool for early frailty detection.
- These findings highlight the importance of considering vascular health in assessing geriatric vulnerability.
Abstract:
Background and Objective: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is a marker of cardiovascular disease and is associated with increased mortality in middle-aged and older populations. However, its relationship with frailty remains unclear. Methods: Data were obtained from the 2013-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. AAC was quantified using the Kauppila scoring system based on dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Frailty was assessed using the frailty index. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the association between AAC and frailty. Results: A total of 2987 adults aged ≥40 years were included. Compared to individuals with an AAC-8 score of 0, low-risk (AAC-8 score = 1-2; OR: 1.24; 95 % CI, 1.00-1.53) and high-risk AAC (AAC-8 score ≥ 3; OR: 1.83; 95 % CI, 1.03-3.23) were associated with higher odds of frailty. Similarly, mild to moderate AAC (0 < AAC-24 score ≤ 6; OR: 1.26; 95 % CI, 1.03-1.54) and severe AAC (AAC-24 score > 6; OR: 1.79; 95 % CI, 1.07-2.99) showed positive associations with frailty. Conclusions: Among middle-aged and older populations in the United States, there exists a positive correlation between AAC and frailty. Our findings suggest that the AAC score holds promise as a valuable tool for the early identification of frailty.
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