Effect of coronary artery calcium score on the reduction of global cardiovascular risk

Abstract

There are no studies evaluating an association between different coronary artery calcium scores (CACS) and reduction of traditional cardiovascular risk. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of coronary calcium scoring on the reduction of global cardiovascular risk. This was a prospective single-center study including 180 subjects (mean age, 58.8 years). Calcifications on computed tomography were calculated by 2 experts using the Agatston scale. Selected cardiovascular risk factors and medical procedures used in subjects were analyzed. Invasive coronary angiography was performed in 60 patients (33.2%). It did not show significant coronary lesions in 26 patients (43.3%), while in the other 26 patients (43.3%), coronary angioplasty (stent implantation, balloon angioplasty) was performed. Eight subjects (13.3%) were referred for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), and the procedure was performed only in patients with a CACS of 400 AU and higher. Angioplasty was performed 10 times more often in these patients compared with patients with a CACS of 1 to 399 AU. A significant correlation between the CACS and cardiovascular risk was observed in relation to age, weight, and systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Coronary calcium scoring allows to identify patients requiring invasive coronary angioplasty, or, in some cases, CABG, with greater precision. This can strengthen the role of the CACS as a complement to a classic evaluation of cardiovascular risk factors.