The relation between breast artery calcification and subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Radiology
• Echocardiography

Background:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading causes of death.
• Breast artery calcification (BAC) is associated with CVD.
• Subclinical left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) is an early indicator of cardiac issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between BAC and subclinical LVSD using strain echocardiography.
• To determine if BAC is an independent predictor of LVSD.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study including 94 patients with BAC and 100 age-matched controls without BAC.
• Strain echocardiography was used to assess global longitudinal strain (GLS) and diastolic function.
• Patients were categorized by BAC presence and severity (grades), and LVSD status.

Main Results:

• Patients with BAC showed significantly lower GLS compared to controls (p < 0.0001).
• GLS decreased with increasing BAC grades (p < 0.0001).
• BAC grade 3, elevated E/e', and NLr were independent risk factors for LVSD.

Conclusions:

• BAC is associated with subclinical LVSD.
• BAC grade 3 is an independent predictor of LVSD.
• Mammographic detection of BAC may aid in identifying individuals at risk for heart failure.