Prevalence Of Coronary Artery Calcification Research Articles

Physical Activity and Progression of Coronary Artery Calcification in Men and Women.

Prior cross-sectional studies have suggested that very high levels of physical activity (PA) are associated with a higher prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC). However, less is known regarding the association between high-volume PA and progression of CAC over time. To explore the association between PA (measured at baseline and during follow-up) and the progression of CAC over time. This cohort study included data from 8771 apparently healthy men and women 40 years and older who had multiple preventive medicine visits at the Cooper Clinic (Dallas, Texas), with a mean (SD) follow-up time of 7.8 (4.7) years between the first and last clinic visit. Participants with reported PA and CAC measurements at each visit during 1998 to 2019 were included in the study. Data were analyzed from March 2023 to February 2024. PA reported at baseline and follow-up, examined continuously per 500 metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (MET-min/wk) and categorically: less than 1500, 1500 to 2999, 3000 or more MET-min/wk. Negative binomial regression was used to estimate the rate of mean CAC progression between visits, with potential modification by PA volume, calculated as the mean of PA at baseline and follow-up. In addition, proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios for baseline PA as a predictor of CAC progression to 100 or more Agatston units (AU). Among 8771 participants, the mean (SD) age at baseline was 50.2 (7.3) years for men and 51.1 (7.3) years for women. The rate of mean CAC progression per year from baseline was 28.5% in men and 32.1% in women, independent of mean PA during the same time period. That is, the difference in the rate of CAC progression per year was 0.0% per 500 MET-min/wk for men and women (men: 95% CI, -0.1% to 0.1%; women: 95% CI, -0.4% to 0.5%). Moreover, baseline PA was not associated with CAC progression to a clinically meaningful threshold of 100 AU or more over the follow-up period. The hazard ratio for a baseline PA value of 3000 or more MET-min/wk vs less than 1500 MET-min/wk to cross this threshold was 0.84 (95% CI, 0.66 to 1.08) in men and 1.16 (95% CI, 0.57 to 2.35) in women. This study found that PA volume was not associated with progression of CAC in a large cohort of healthy men and women who were initially free of overt cardiovascular disease.

Coronary Calcium Is Elevated in Patients with Myocardial Infarction without Standard Modifiable Risk Factors.

Objectives: Recent reports have highlighted myocardial infarction (MI) patients without standard modifiable risk factors (SMRF), noting them to be surprisingly common and to have a substantial risk of adverse outcomes. The objective of this study was to address the challenge of identifying at-risk patients without SMRF and providing preventive therapy. Methods: Patients presenting between 2001 and 2021 to Intermountain Health catheterization laboratories with a diagnosis of MI were included if they also had a coronary artery calcium (CAC) scan by computed tomography within 2 years. SMRF were defined as a clinical diagnosis or treatment of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, or smoking. The co-primary endpoints in SMRF-less patients were: (1) proportion of patients with an elevated (>50%ile) CAC score, and (2) an indication for statin therapy (i.e., CAC ≥ 100 AU or ≥75%ile). The 60-day and long-term major adverse cardiovascular events were determined. A comparison set included MI patients with SMRF. Results: We identified 429 MI patients with a concurrent CAC scan, of which 60 had no SMRF. SMRF status did not distinguish most risk factors or interventions. No-SMRF patients had a high CAC prevalence and percentile (82% ≥ 50%ile; median, 80%ile), and 77% met criteria for preventive therapy. As expected, patients with SMRF had high CAC scores and percentiles. Outcomes were more favorable for No-SMRF status and for lower CAC scores. Conclusions: Patients without SMRF presenting with an MI have a high prevalence and percentile of CAC. Wider application of CAC scans, including in those without SMRF, is promising as a method to identify an additional at-risk population for MI and to provide primary preventive therapy.

Abstract P513: Coronary Artery Calcium Burden in Rural Alabama: Initial Findings From the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal Cohort Study

Introduction: Individuals living in rural areas have a disproportionately high rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) scanning may inform CVD risk stratification. However, the prevalence of CAC in rural areas is unknown. Research Question: What is the prevalence of CAC according to age, sex, and self-reported race (Black, White) in two rural counties in Alabama? Aims: To determine the prevalence of a CAC score >0, a CAC score ≥100, and premature CAC among rural persons without clinical CVD and the extent to which they differ by demographic group. Methods: We studied 789 participants between the age of 25 and 64 years in the Risk Underlying Rural Areas Longitudinal (RURAL) Cohort Study sample in Alabama who underwent CAC scoring on non-contrast cardiac computed tomography. Premature CAC was defined as CAC >0 for men <45 years old, and women <55 years old. Multivariable logistic regression (including age, sex, race) estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for CAC >0 and CAC ≥100. Results: The median age was 51 years, 70% were women, and 80% were Black. Among the were 37% with CAC >0 the median CAC score was 64, while 14% had CAC ≥100 and 12% had premature CAC. Significant differences in all three CAC categories were consistently observed across age and sex, but not race ( Figure ). After adjusting for age and race, women had an approximate 70% lower odds of CAC >0 (aOR=0.29, 95% CI: 0.19-0.44) and CAC ≥100 (aOR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.18-0.43) compared to men. There were no significant differences in CAC >0 (aOR=0.70, 95% CI: 0.43-1.12) or CAC ≥100 (aOR=0.76, 95% CI: 0.46-1.25) for Black versus White persons independent of age and sex. Conclusion(s): In a Southern rural cohort of young and middle-aged persons, approximately one in three had prevalent CAC and one in eight had premature CAC. In contrast to previously published urban cohorts, rural Black adults had a similar CAC burden to their White counterparts. There is a need to explore the factors implicated in the high CAC burden within Southern rural communities.

Coronary Artery Calcification on Low-Dose Lung Cancer Screening CT in South Korea: Visual and Artificial Intelligence-Based Assessment and Association With Cardiovascular Events.

Background: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) on lung cancer screening low-dose chest CT (LDCT) is a cardiovascular risk marker. South Korea was the first Asian country to initiate a national LDCT lung cancer screening program, although CAC-related outcomes are poorly explored. Objective: To evaluate CAC prevalence and severity using visual analysis and artificial intelligence (AI) methods and to characterize CAC's association with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients undergoing LDCT in Korea's national lung cancer screening program. Methods: This retrospective study included 1002 patients (mean age, 62.4±5.4 years; 994 men, 8 women) who underwent LDCT at two Korean medical centers between April 2017 and May 2023 as part of Korea's national lung cancer screening program. Two radiologists independently assessed CAC presence and severity using visual analysis, consulting a third radiologist to resolve differences. Two AI software applications were also used to assess CAC presence and severity. MACE occurrences were identified by EMR review. Results: Interreader agreement for CAC presence and severity, expressed as kappa, were 0.793 and 0.671, respectively. CAC prevalence was 53.4% by consensus visual assessment, 56.6% by AI software I, and 60.1% by AI software II. CAC severity was mild, moderate, and severe by consensus visual analysis in 28.0%, 10.3% and 15.1%; by AI software I in 39.9%, 14.0%, and 6.2%; and by AI software II in 34.9%, 14.3%, and 7.3%. MACE occurred in 36 of 625 (5.6%) patients with follow-up after LDCT (median, 1108 days). MACE incidence in patients with no, mild, moderate, and severe CAC, for consensus visual analysis was 1.1%, 5.0%, 2.9%, and 8.6% (p<.001); for AI software I was 1.3%, 3.0%, 7.9%, and 11.3% (p<.001); and for AI software II was 1.2%, 5.0%, 7.7%, and 9.6% (p<.001) Conclusion: For Korea's national lung cancer screening program, MACE occurrence increased significantly with increasing CAC severity, whether assessed by visual analysis or AI software. The study is limited by the large sex imbalance for Korea's national lung cancer screening program. Clinical Impact: The findings provide reference data for healthcare practitioners engaged in developing and overseeing national lung cancer screening programs, highlighting the importance of routine CAC evaluation.

Associations Between Visceral Fat, Abdominal Muscle, and Coronary Artery Calcification: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

The associations of body composition components, including muscle and adipose tissue, and markers of subclinical coronary artery disease are unclear. We examined the relation between abdominal computed tomography (CT)-derived measures of the area and density of fat and muscle with coronary artery calcification (CAC), using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). A total of 1,974 randomly selected MESA participants free of coronary heart disease underwent abdominal CT scans at examinations 2 or 3, with the resulting images interrogated for abdominal body composition. Using 6 cross-sectional slices spanning L2 to L5, the Medical Imaging Processing Analysis and Visualization software was used to determine abdominal muscle and fat composition using appropriate Hounsfield units ranges. CT chest scans were used to obtain CAC scores, calculated using the Agatston method and spatially weighted calcium score. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the relation between abdominal visceral fat and muscle area and density to prevalent CAC. A total of 1,089 participants had a CAC >0, with an average CAC score of 310. In the fully adjusted model, for every 10-cm2 increase in visceral fat area, the likelihood of having a CAC greater than 0 increased by 0.60% (p <0.001). In the minimally adjusted model, abdominal muscle area was significantly associated with CAC >0, which became nonsignificant in the fully adjusted model. For the density of visceral fat, every 1-Hounsfield unit increase (less lipid-dense fat tissue), the likelihood of having a CAC score >0 decreased by 0.29% (p <0.05). No significant relation was observed between density of abdominal muscle and CAC >0. A greater area and higher lipid density of abdominal visceral fat were associated with an increased likelihood of having CAC, whereas there was no significant relation between abdominal muscle area or density and CAC. The quantity and the quality of fat have associations, with an important marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, CAC, and their significance with respect to cardiovascular outcomes, require further evaluation.

Coronary artery calcium and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with lymphoma undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation.

Patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have a >2-fold risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD; heart failure, myocardial infarction, and stroke), compared to the general population. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is predictive of CVD in nononcology patients but is not as well studied in patients who underwent HCT and survivors of HCT.The objective of this study was to examine the association between CAC and CVD risk and outcomes after HCT in patients with lymphoma. This was a retrospective cohort study of 243 consecutive patients who underwent a first autologous HCT for lymphoma between 2009 and 2014. CAC (Agatston score) was determined from chest computed tomography obtained <60 days from HCT. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for covariates (age, conventional risk factors [e.g., hypertension and dyslipidemia], and cancer treatment). The median age at HCT was 55.7 years (range, 18.5-75.1 years), 59% were male, and 60% were non-Hispanic White. The prevalence of CAC was 37%. The 5-year CVD incidence for the cohort was 12%, and there was an incremental increase in the incidence according to CAC score: 0 (6%), 1-100 (20%), and >100 (32%) (p=.001). CAC was significantly associated with CVD risk (HR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.5) and worse 5-year survival (77% vs. 50%; p<.001; HR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.1-3.4), compared to those without CAC. CAC is independently associated with CVD and survival after HCT. This highlights the importance of integrating readily available imaging information in risk stratification and decision-making in patients undergoing HCT, which sets the stage for strategies to optimize outcomes after HCT.

Impact of coronary artery calcium on mortality and cardiovascular events in metabolic syndrome and diabetes among younger adults.

Whether coronary artery calcium (CAC) testing in younger individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and diabetes mellitus (DM) helps predict cardiovascular disease (CVD) and death independent of traditional risk factors (RFs) remains less clear. We pooled data obtained from 5174 individuals aged 38-55 years from the CARDIA (Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults; n = 3047, year 20) and MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis; n = 2127, Visit 1) studies who completed computed tomography of CAC. The mean age (SD) of participants (44.7% men) was 47.3 (4.2) years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) of CVD, coronary heart disease (CHD), and all-cause death. There were 1085 participants (21.0%) with prevalent CAC at baseline. A total of 461 (8.9%) had DM, 1025 (19.8%) had MetS without DM, and 3688 (71.3%) had neither condition. Over a median follow-up of 14.2 years, 256 (5.0%) participants died, and 304 (5.9%) CVD and 188 (3.6%) CHD events occurred. The CAC score was independently associated with incident CVD in those with DM (HR: 95% CI; 1.22: 1.08-1.38), MetS (1.18: 1.08-1.31), and neither condition (1.36: 1.26-1.46). The corresponding HRs for CAC ≥ 100 were 2.70 (1.25-5.83), 3.29 (1.87-5.79), and 6.30 (4.02-9.86), respectively. Similar associations for CHD and death were found. The impact of CAC ≥ 100 on CVD and CHD was lower in the presence of DM (P interaction < 0.05). The association of CAC with all outcomes in individuals with DM remained significant after adjusting with haemoglobin A1c levels. Coronary artery calcium score is independently associated with cardiovascular events and death over nearly 15 years after screening at ages 38-55 years, with a less pronounced impact on CVD and CHD events in the presence of DM.

Evaluation of Conventional Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Ordinal Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring in a Lung Cancer Screening Cohort.

(1) Background: Lung cancer screening (LCS) consists of low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) results to reduce lung cancer-related mortality. The LCS program has a unique opportunity to impact CVD mortality by providing tools for CVD risk assessment and implementing preventative strategies. In this study, we estimated standardized CVD risk (SCORE) and assessed the prevalence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a Polish LCS cohort. (2) Methods: In this observational study, 494 LCS participants aged 50-79 years with a cigarette smoking history of at least 30 pack-years were included. Medical history, anthropometric measurements, blood pressure measurements, serum glucose, and cholesterol levels were assessed in one visit. CVD risk assessment using SCORE tables was performed. The results were compared to the general population (NATPOL 2011 study). On LDCT scans, CAC was classified using an Ordinal Score ranging from 0 to 12. (3) Results: The prevalence of classic cardiovascular risk factors was very high. Among study participants, 83.7% of men and 40.7% of women were classified with a very high CVD SCORE risk (>10%). CAC was reported in 190 (47%) participants. Calcification was categorized as severe (CAC ≥ 4) in 84 (21%) participants. (4) Conclusions: Due to the high cardiovascular risk, intensive preventive strategies are recommended for LCS participants.

Prevalence and clinical implications of coronary artery calcium scoring on non-gated thoracic computed tomography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Coronary artery calcifications (CACs) indicate the presence of coronary artery disease. CAC can be found on thoracic computed tomography (CT) conducted for non-cardiac reasons. This systematic review and meta-analysis of non-gated thoracic CT aims to assess the clinical impact and prevalence of CAC. Online databases were searched for articles assessing prevalence, demographic characteristics, accuracy and prognosis of incidental CAC on non-gated thoracic CT. Meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. A total of 108 studies (113,406 patients) were included (38% female). Prevalence of CAC ranged from 2.7 to 100% (pooled prevalence 52%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 46-58%). Patients with CAC were older (pooled standardised mean difference 0.88, 95% CI 0.65-1.11, p < 0.001), and more likely to be male (pooled odds ratio [OR] 1.95, 95% CI 1.55-2.45, p < 0.001), with diabetes (pooled OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.95-3.54, p < 0.001), hypercholesterolaemia (pooled OR 2.28, 95% CI 1.33-3.93, p < 0.01) and hypertension (pooled OR 3.89, 95% CI 2.26-6.70, p < 0.001), but not higher body mass index or smoking. Non-gated CT assessment of CAC had excellent agreement with electrocardiogram-gated CT (pooled correlation coefficient 0.96, 95% CI 0.92-0.98, p < 0.001). In 51,582 patients, followed-up for 51.6 ± 27.4months, patients with CAC had increased all cause mortality (pooled relative risk [RR] 2.13, 95% CI 1.57-2.90, p = 0.004) and major adverse cardiovascular events (pooled RR 2.91, 95% CI 2.26-3.93, p < 0.001). When CAC was present on CT, it was reported in between 18.6% and 93% of reports. CAC is a common, but underreported, finding on non-gated CT with important prognostic implications. Coronary artery calcium is an important prognostic indicator of cardiovascular disease. It can be assessed on non-gated thoracic CT and is a commonly underreported finding. This represents a significant population where there is a potential missed opportunity for lifestyle modification recommendations and preventative therapies. This study aims to highlight the importance of reporting incidental coronary artery calcium on non-gated thoracic CT. • Coronary artery calcification is a common finding on non-gated thoracic CT and can be reliably identified compared to gated-CT. • Coronary artery calcification on thoracic CT is associated with an increased risk of all cause mortality and major adverse cardiovascsular events. • Coronary artery calcification is frequently not reported on non-gated thoracic CT.

Coronary artery calcium and the risk of a cardiovascular events and mortality in younger adults: a meta-analysis.

ACC/AHA 2019 prevention guidelines recommend utilizing coronary artery calcium (CAC) to stratify cardiovascular risk in selected cases. However, data regarding CAC and risk in younger adults is less robust due to the lower prevalence of CAC and lower incidence of events. The objective of this meta-analysis is to determine the ability of CAC to predict the risk of cardiovascular events and mortality in adults less than 50. PubMed and Cochrane CENTRAL databases were electronically searched through May 2022 for studies with a primary prevention cohort under age 55 who underwent CAC scoring. Six observational studies with a total of 45,919 individuals with an average age of 43.1 and mean follow-up of 12.1 years were included. The presence of CAC was associated with an increased risk of adverse events (pooled hazard ratio (HR) = 1.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-2.56, P = 0.012, I2 = 65.5). Compared to a CAC of 0, a CAC of 1-100 did carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events (pooled HR = 1.85, 95% CI 1.08-3.16, p = 0.0248, I2 = 50.3), but not mortality (pooled HR = 1.20, 95% CI 0.85-1.69, p = 0.2917), while a CAC > 100 did carry an increased risk of cardiovascular events (pooled HR = 6.57, 95% CI 3.23-13.36, p < 0.0001, I2 = 72.6) and mortality (pooled HR = 2.91, 95% CI 2.23-3.80, p < 0.0001) . In a meta-analysis of younger adults undergoing CAC scoring, a CAC of 1-100 was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular events, while a CAC>100 was associated with a higher likelihood of cardiovascular events and mortality.

Integrated omics analysis of coronary artery calcifications and myocardial infarction: the Framingham Heart Study

Gene function can be described using various measures. We integrated association studies of three types of omics data to provide insights into the pathophysiology of subclinical coronary disease and myocardial infarction (MI). Using multivariable regression models, we associated: (1) single nucleotide polymorphism, (2) DNA methylation, and (3) gene expression with coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and MI. Among 3106 participants of the Framingham Heart Study, 65 (2.1%) had prevalent MI and 60 (1.9%) had incident MI, median CAC value was 67.8 [IQR 10.8, 274.9], and 1403 (45.2%) had CAC scores > 0 (prevalent CAC). Prevalent CAC was associated with AHRR (linked to smoking) and EXOC3 (affecting platelet function and promoting hemostasis). CAC score was associated with VWA1 (extracellular matrix protein associated with cartilage structure in endomysium). For prevalent MI we identified FYTTD1 (down-regulated in familial hypercholesterolemia) and PINK1 (linked to cardiac tissue homeostasis and ischemia–reperfusion injury). Incident MI was associated with IRX3 (enhancing browning of white adipose tissue) and STXBP3 (controlling trafficking of glucose transporter type 4 to plasma). Using an integrative trans-omics approach, we identified both putatively novel and known candidate genes associated with CAC and MI. Replication of findings is warranted.

Reporting of coronary artery calcification on chest CT studies in patients with interstitial lung disease

To evaluate the prevalence of coronary artery calcification (CAC) on non-contrast computed tomography (CT) of the thorax in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), assess consistency of CAC reporting and assess incidence of subsequent cardiac events. Patients with known interstitial lung disease who underwent a CT thorax over a 2-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Presence of CAC was assessed using a visual scale for CAC reporting and graded as mild, moderate, or severe by two cardiothoracic radiologists. CT reports were reviewed to determine if presence of CAC had been described. Electronic medical records were reviewed for any subsequent cardiothoracic events from the date of the CT thorax to present. 254 patients were included in the analysis (54.7% men; mean age 59.9 yo). 43.7% had CAC on their CT thorax; however, in 87.3% of those, reports did not comment on its presence. 8 patients had cardiac events; 7 of them had CAC on CT although only in 1 case this was reported. Global CAC and LAD CAC Patients with cardiac events had a significantly higher global CAC (p=0.016) and LAD CAC (p=0.048) when compared to patients without. We demonstrated a high prevalence of CAC in ILD patients and its significant association with adverse cardiac events. Unfortunately, CAC on CT thorax is still largely unreported. As per recent BSCI/BSCCT and BSTI guidelines, reporting of CAC should become part of routine practice, as may prompt prevention and impact on patients outcome.

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification on abdominal CT

Prevalence of coronary artery calcification on abdominal CT

Association between the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance and coronary artery calcification: a meta-analysis of observational studies.

Insulin resistance (IR), a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, has garnered significant attention in scientific research. Several studies have investigated the correlation between IR and coronary artery calcification (CAC), yielding varying results. In light of this, we conducted a systematic review to investigate the association between IR as evaluated by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) and CAC. A comprehensive search was conducted to identify relevant studies in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. In addition, preprint servers such as Research Square, BioRxiv, and MedRxiv were manually searched. The collected data were analyzed using either fixed or random effects models, depending on the heterogeneity observed among the studies. The assessment of the body of evidence was performed using the GRADE approach to determine its quality. The current research incorporated 15 studies with 60,649 subjects. The analysis revealed that a higher category of HOMA-IR was associated with a greater prevalence of CAC in comparison to the lowest HOMA-IR category, with an OR of 1.13 (95% CI: 1.06-1.20, I2=29%, P < 0.001). A similar result was reached when HOMA-IR was analyzed as a continuous variable (OR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.14-1.41, I2=54%, P < 0.001). In terms of CAC progression, a pooled analysis of two cohort studies disclosed a significant association between increased HOMA-IR levels and CAC progression, with an OR of 1.44 (95% CI: 1.04-2.01, I2=21%, P < 0.05). It is important to note that the strength of the evidence was rated as low for the prevalence of CAC and very low for the progression of CAC. There is evidence to suggest that a relatively high HOMA-IR may be linked with an increased prevalence and progression of CAC.

Abstract 14681: Coronary Artery Calcium is Associated With Cardiovascular Disease and Poorer Survival in Patients Undergoing Autologous Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established curative treatment for patients with hematologic malignancies, however survivors are at a &gt;4-fold risk of cardiovascular disease ([CVD] heart failure, myocardial infarction, stroke]) compared to the general population. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) is predictive of CVD in non-oncology patients; less is known about its association with CVD risk and outcomes after HCT. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 243 consecutive patients who underwent first autologous HCT for Hodgkin/non-Hodgkin lymphoma between 2009-2014 with no history of CVD. CAC was determined from chest computed tomography performed &lt;60d from HCT; measurements (Agatston unit) were made by trained researchers blinded to patient demographics and outcomes. CAC was categorized as: 0, 1-100, &gt;100. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratio (HR) estimates and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for covariates (age, conventional risk factors [e.g. hypertension, dyslipidemia], cancer treatment). Results: Median age (range) at HCT was 55.7y (18.5y-75.1y), 59% were male; race/ethnicity: non-Hispanic white (60%), Hispanic (25%), Asian (11%), Black (4%); prevalence of CAC was 37%. The 5y CVD incidence for the cohort was 12%, and there was an incremental increase according to CAC score: 0 (6%), 1-100 (20%), &gt;100 (32%); p=0.001 (Figure 1A). CAC was significantly associated with CVD risk (HR 3.0, 95%CI 1.2-7.5) and worse 5y survival (77% vs. 50% p&lt;0.001 [Figure 1B]; HR 2.0, 95%CI 1.1-3.4), compared to those without CAC. Conclusions: CAC is an important and independent predictor of CVD and survival after HCT. Taken together, these data form the basis for integration of readily available imaging information into decision making prior to HCT (e.g. pre-habilitation, non-HCT approaches) or after HCT (e.g. cardiac rehabilitation), setting the stage for strategies to optimize outcomes after HCT.

Eveningness is associated with coronary artery calcification in a middle-aged Swedish population

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is an established imaging biomarker of subclinical atherosclerosis, but its relationship to diurnal preference is not well studied. We investigated the association between chronotype and CAC in the Swedish CArdioPulmonary bioImage Study (SCAPIS) pilot cohort. Participants aged 50–64 years were randomly recruited and underwent extensive examination including imaging and accelerometry-assessed physical activity. 771 participants (47.3 % male, 57.6 ± 4.4 years) were included in this cross-sectional analysis. CAC was assessed by non-contrast computed tomography, and a CAC score > 10 was considered significant calcification. Self-assessed chronotype was classified as extreme morning, moderate morning, intermediate, moderate evening, or extreme evening. 10-year risk of first-onset cardiovascular disease was estimated by the Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2). Significant CAC was present in 29 % of the cohort. CAC prevalence increased from extreme morning to extreme evening type (22 %, 28 %, 29 %, 27 %, 41 % respectively, p = 0.018). In a multivariate logistic regression model controlling for confounders, extreme evening chronotype was independently associated with increased CAC prevalence compared to extreme morning type (OR 1.90, [95%CI 1.04–3.46], p = 0.037). When stratified by SCORE2 risk category (low: <5 %; moderate: 5 to <10 %; high: ≥10 %), significant CAC was most prevalent among extreme evening chronotypes in the low and moderate-risk groups, while chronotype seemed less important in the high-risk group (p = 0.011, p = 0.023, p = 0.86, respectively). Our findings suggest circadian factors may play an important role in atherosclerosis and should be considered in early cardiovascular prevention.

Abstract 13721: Coronary Artery Calcium for Risk Stratification Among Persons With Very-High High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol

Introduction: Persons with very-high high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) may experience an increased mortality risk. However, the predictors of mortality among those with very-high HDL-C remain unknown. Hypothesis: Compared to traditional risk factors, coronary artery calcium (CAC) will more strongly stratify risk among individuals with very-high HDL-C. Aims: Among individuals with very-high HDL-C, to 1) calculate crude all-cause mortality rates across the burden of traditional risk factors and CAC, and 2) identify independent risk factors associated with all-cause mortality. Methods: There were 335 primary prevention patients from the CAC Consortium who had very-high HDL-C ( &gt; 80 mg/dL in men, &gt; 100 mg/dL in women) and available information on traditional CVD risk factors. Crude all-cause mortality rates were calculated per 1,000 person-years. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the association of traditional risk factors and CAC with mortality. Results: The mean age was 58.6 years old, 51.0% were women, 51.3% had prevalent CAC, and the median HDL-C was 100 mg/dL. There were 20 deaths (6.0%) over a median follow-up of 10.5 years, 7 (2.1%) of which were attributable to CVD. There was a stepwise higher crude mortality rate per 1,000 person-years across increasing CAC burden ( Central Illustration ). Independent of traditional risk factors, each 100 Agatston Unit increase in CAC score was associated with a 7% higher hazard of all-cause mortality (HR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.12) and individuals with CAC &gt; 1000 experienced a 5.75-fold higher hazard of mortality when compared to CAC=0 (HR: 5.75, 95% CI: 1.26-26.24). Beyond age, no traditional risk factor was associated with mortality in multivariable analyses. Conclusion: Measurement of CAC on non-contrast cardiac computed tomography may facilitate risk assessment among individuals with very-high HDL-C.

Abstract 13657: Cholesterol Content of VLDL Particles and Incident Coronary Artery Calcification Among ELSA-Brasil Participants - A Metabolomic Approach

Background: Very-low density lipoproteins (VLDL) are the smallest and most atherogenic particles. Research question: The association of cholesterol content in VLDL particles with incident coronary artery calcification (CAC) is unclear. Aim: To analyze the association of VLDL cholesterol content with 5-year CAC status among ELSA-Brasil participants. Methods: Data from 832 participants (50.3±7.2 years, 50.4% women) free of cardiovascular disease and statin use were analyzed. The cholesterol content of VLDL lipoproteins were assessed by high-throughput proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance metabolomics platform. CAC score was assessed by computed tomography at baseline and after 5-year follow-up, being classified as absent CAC (baseline and follow-up CAC=0), prevalent CAC (baseline CAC&gt;0) and incident CAC (baseline CAC=0 and follow-up CAC&gt;0). Distribution of cholesterol content were compared by U-Mann Whitney test according to CAC status. Generalized linear models compared cholesterol concentrations according to CAC status, adjusted by sociodemographic (age, sex, race, education, health insurance), lifestyle (physical activity, alcohol and smoking) and comorbidities (hypertension, diabetes, obesity and total cholesterol ≥200mg/dL). Results: CAC incident was 6.6% of sample (n=55), whereas 26.2% was CAC prevalent (n=218) and 67.2% was CAC absent (n=559). VLDL cholesterol concentrations in CAC incident participants were higher than those with CAC absent, but similar to those with CAC prevalent - Figure 1. Regression models showed higher concentrations of all lipids in CAC incident than CAC absent, but there was no difference between CAC incident and CAC prevalent. The associations remained beyond adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors, but lost significance after adjustment for comorbidities. Conclusions: This finding suggests a predictive role of VLDL cholesterol content for CAC incidence among ELSA-Brasil participants.

Abstract 12041: Coronary Artery Calcium and All-Cause Mortality in the Multicenter Aids Cohort Study: MACS

Introduction: People living with HIV (PLWH) have more subclinical cardiovascular disease than people without HIV (PWOH), but few studies have evaluated risk for mortality based on coronary artery calcium (CAC) among this population. Purpose: This study aimed to determine the association between CAC and all-cause mortality among male PLWH and PWOH and to identify a potential interaction with HIV serostatus. Methods: The study population was derived from the MACS, a US prospective observational cohort study including male PLWH and PWOH. Participants underwent cardiac non-contrast computed tomography from July 2004 to November 2013. Men with atrial fibrillation, coronary heart disease, or coronary revascularization were excluded. Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate adjusted hazard ratios [aHR] for all-cause mortality among men with vs. without baseline CAC (Agatston score&gt;0) and per standard deviation (SD) increment in continuous Agatston score [log (CAC+1)], controlling for demographic and cardiac risk factors. CAC differences by HIV serostatus were evaluated using multiplicative CACхHIV interaction terms. Results: Among 1344 males (mean age 50 years, CAC prevalence 46%, 823 (61%) PLWH), we observed 110 deaths (13%) among PLWH and 41 deaths (8%) among PWOH during the follow-up period (median: 13.4 years). Among PLWH, 62% had an undetectable plasma HIV viral load, the median CD4 cell nadir was 284 cells/μL, and 17% had a history of clinical AIDS. The age-adjusted mortality rate was 13.5 (95% CI: 11.0-16.5) among PLWH and 7.8 (5.4-10.9) among PWOH per 1000 person-years. CAC presence was associated with all-cause mortality among all participants (aHR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.02-2.11, p=0.04), and among PLWH (aHR=1.61, 1.04-2.47, p=0.03). In PWOH, we found no significant association (aHR=1.27, 0.63-2.59, p=0.50), although the interaction was not significant (p= 0.49). Higher log (CAC+1) was also associated with all-cause mortality among all participants (aHR=1.37 per SD, 1.15-1.63, p&lt;0.001) and among strata (PLWH, aHR=1.40, 1.13-1.73, p=0.002; and PWOH aHR=1.38, 1.00-1.91, p=0.049). Conclusion: CAC predicts all-cause mortality in a large cohort of PLWH and PWOH, with no significant difference in this association by HIV serostatus.

Abstract 12439: Abdominal Visceral Fat Area and Density Are Associated With Coronary Artery Calcification: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis

Introduction: The associations of body composition components, including muscle and adipose tissue, and markers of subclinical coronary artery disease are unclear. We examined the relationship between abdominal CT-derived measures of the area and density of fat and muscle with coronary artery calcification (CAC), using data from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA). Methods: A randomly selected total of 1,974 MESA participants free of coronary heart disease underwent abdominal CT scans at exams 2 or 3, with the resulting images interrogated for abdominal body composition. Using six cross-sectional slices spanning L2-L5, Medical Imaging Processing Analysis and Visualization (MIPAV) software was used to determine abdominal muscle and fat composition by utilizing appropriate Hounsfield units (HU) ranges. CT chest scans obtained during the exam 1 were used to obtain CAC scores, calculated using the Agatston method and spatially weighted calcium score (SWCS). Multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between both abdominal visceral fat and muscle area and density to prevalent CAC. Results: A total of 1,089 participants had a CAC&gt;0, with an average CAC score of 310. In the fully adjusted model, for every 10 cm 2 increase in visceral fat area, the likelihood of having a CAC &gt;0 increased by 0.60% (p&lt;0.001). In the minimally adjusted model, abdominal muscle area was significantly associated with CAC&gt;0, which became non-significant in the fully adjusted model. For density of visceral fat , every 1 HU increase (less lipid dense fat tissue), the likelihood of having a CAC score&gt;0 decreased by 0.29% (p&lt;0.05). No significant relationship was observed between density of abdominal muscle and CAC&gt;0. Conclusion: Greater area and higher lipid density of abdominal visceral fat was associated with an increased likelihood of having CAC, while there was no significant relationship between abdominal muscle area or density and CAC. Both the quantity and the quality of fat have associations with an important marker of subclinical atherosclerosis, CAC, and their significance with respect to cardiovascular outcomes requires further evaluation.