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Evaluating atherosclerosis prevalence via coronary calcium in executives with normal LDL levels in the US: a cohort
Basem M Ratrout1, Basant E Katamesh2, Ann Vincent3
1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA Ratrout.Basem@Mayo.edu.
Insights
This study investigates coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in patients with borderline cardiovascular risk and normal LDL-C. It explores the link between CAC and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) to improve atherosclerosis risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Biomarkers
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans are vital for assessing coronary atherosclerosis risk, especially in hyperlipidaemia patients with uncertain treatment decisions.
- Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) are emerging atherosclerosis markers, but their association with CAC scores is unexamined.
- This research addresses the gap in understanding AGEs and CAC score relationships.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate abnormal CAC scores in patients with low/borderline ASCVD risk and normal LDL-C (≤100 mg/dL).
- To explore potential associations between CAC scores and AGEs scores.
- To enhance cardiovascular risk stratification strategies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of adult patient health records from Mayo Clinic (Sept 2023 - Mar 2024).
- Analysis of baseline CAC scan data for patients with low/borderline 10-year ASCVD risk, not on lipid-lowering therapy, and LDL-C ≤100 mg/dL.
- Examination of correlations between CAC and AGEs scores.
Main Results:
- The study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal CAC scores in the specified patient cohort.
- It will investigate the relationship between CAC findings and AGEs scores.
- Results will inform clinical decision-making for intermediate cardiovascular risk patients.
Conclusions:
- This study will provide novel insights into the utility of CAC scores and AGEs in cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Findings may refine risk stratification for patients with borderline ASCVD risk.
- The research contributes to personalized medicine in cardiovascular disease prevention.
Introduction:
The coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan serves as a crucial tool in assessing the risk of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with hyperlipidaemia, particularly when there is ambiguity surrounding pharmacotherapy decisions. In addition to CAC, advanced glycation end products (AGEs), glycated proteins and lipids involved in ageing are emerging as markers for atherosclerosis. However, the relationship between AGEs score and CAC scores has not been evaluated to date. Our primary objective is to evaluate abnormal CAC scores in patients with low and borderline ASCVD risk and normal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels ≤100 mg/dL. The secondary objective is to explore potential associations between CAC and AGEs scores.
Methods And Analysis:
We will retrospectively review health records of adult patients seen at the General Internal Medicine Executive Health Program (Mayo Clinic; Rochester, Minnesota) between 1 September 2023 and 31 March 2024, where all patients were offered the option of a baseline CAC scan. For our primary aim, we will determine the percentage of patients with low and borderline 10-year Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD) risk, not receiving pharmacotherapy for hyperlipidaemia, who have LDL-C levels ≤100 mg/dL and have an abnormal CAC score. For our secondary aim, we will examine potential associations between CAC and AGEs scores.
Ethics And Dissemination:
This study was determined to be exempt from institutional review board approval (ID 24-0 03 921; 45 CFR 46.104d, category/subcategory 4(iii)) at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester. The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
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