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Factors Associated with Aortic Valve Calcification in Type 2 Diabetes - A Steno INTEN-CT substudy
Amal Haujir1,2,3, Preman Kumarathurai1,2, Jacob Volmer Stidsen3,4
1Department of Cardiology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark.
European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular Imaging
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Nearly half of individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) have aortic valve calcification (AVC). Higher AVC is linked to comorbidities like hypertension and kidney disease, but not T2D severity.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Radiology
Background:
- Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a common finding in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
- Understanding factors associated with AVC is crucial for cardiovascular risk stratification in T2D.
- Previous studies have explored AVC in T2D, but specific clinical associations require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinical factors associated with the presence and severity of aortic valve calcification (AVC) in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional substudy of the Steno INTEN-CT trial involving 4570 participants with T2D without ischemic heart disease.
- Participants underwent non-contrast cardiac computed tomography to assess AVC (Agatston Units).
- Multivariable logistic regression analyzed associations between clinical factors (age, BMI, comorbidities, statin use, LDL cholesterol) and AVC severity.
Main Results:
- 46% of participants had AVC > 0.
- Increasing AVC was associated with older age, male sex, higher BMI, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and statin use.
- Higher LDL cholesterol showed a stronger association with AVC in men than women.
- T2D severity (HbA1c, duration, antidiabetic drugs) was not associated with AVC.
Conclusions:
- Aortic valve calcification is prevalent in nearly half of individuals with T2D, even without pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- AVC is associated with common T2D comorbidities but not with markers of T2D severity.
- These findings highlight the importance of managing comorbidities for cardiovascular health in T2D patients.
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