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Identifying Coronary Artery Calcification on Non-gated Computed Tomography Scans
Published on: August 28, 2018
Data-driven analysis of the relationship between the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio and coronary artery calcification: a
Chen Chen1, Mingkang Li2,3, Gaoliang Yan2,3
1School of Cyber Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
Insights
The glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio is linked to coronary artery calcification (CAC) in adults. An elevated HbA1c/HDL-C ratio independently predicts CAC, suggesting its utility in cardiovascular risk assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Disease Research
- Metabolic Syndrome Studies
- Biomarker Discovery
Background:
- Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a key marker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) development.
- Dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism are closely linked to CAC pathogenesis.
- Identifying novel biomarkers for CAC risk is crucial for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and CAC.
- To determine if the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio is an independent predictor of CAC in asymptomatic adults.
- To develop and evaluate a predictive model and nomogram for CAC incorporating the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 1608 eligible participants.
- Calculation of the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio.
- Statistical analyses including LASSO regression, logistic regression, and ROC curve analysis.
- Development and validation of a predictive nomogram.
Main Results:
- The HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was significantly higher in the CAC group compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
- An elevated HbA1c/HDL-C ratio (≥ 4.99) was associated with a higher prevalence of CAC (30.04% vs. 17.83%, p < 0.001).
- The HbA1c/HDL-C ratio emerged as an independent risk factor for CAC (OR, 1.135; 95% CI, 1.008-1.279; p = 0.037).
- The predictive model incorporating the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio achieved an AUC of 0.718.
Conclusions:
- The HbA1c/HDL-C ratio is significantly associated with the presence of CAC.
- This ratio serves as an independent predictor of CAC in asymptomatic adults without pre-existing CVD.
- The developed nomogram demonstrates favorable clinical utility for CAC risk assessment.
Abstract:
Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is a well-established cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathogenesis marker closely associated with dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism. The present study investigated the relationship between the glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio and CAC. A total of 1608 eligible participants were enrolled in the study. The HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was calculated by dividing HbA1c by HDL-C. LASSO regression, logistic regression, and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis were performed to examine the relationship between the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio and CAC. The nomogram incorporating the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was further established by multivariate logistic regression and evaluated. The HbA1c/HDL-C ratios in the CAC group were significantly higher than the control group [4.73 (4.01, 5.56) vs. 4.34 (3.67, 5.05), p < 0.001]. Subjects with an elevated HbA1c/HDL-C ratio (≥ 4.99) exhibited a higher prevalence of CAC [146/486 (30.04) vs. 200/1122 (17.83), p < 0.001]. Furthermore, an elevated HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was an independent effect factor for CAC [odds ratio, 1.135; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.008-1.279; p = 0.037]. The area under the ROC curve of the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was 0.630 (95% CI 0.596-0.663), and the model incorporating age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio was 0.718 (95% CI 0.686-0.751). The constructed nomogram based on this model demonstrated favorable discrimination and clinical utility. In conclusion, the HbA1c/HDL-C ratio is closely associated with CAC and is an independent factor for CAC in asymptomatic adults without CVD.
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