Coronary Artery Calcium and Cardiovascular Events in Women Classified as Low Risk

CT findings of extensive coronary artery calcium were associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events.

Despite the fact that 95% of women under the age of 70 are considered to be at low risk for cardiovascular events, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of mortality in women, suggesting a need to consider factors beyond those used in current methods of risk assessment. Investigators for the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA) examined the value of coronary artery calcium (CAC) measures in determining risk for subsequent coronary heart disease and cardiovascular disease events among asymptomatic women judged to be at low risk by the Framingham risk score.

Of 2684 women classified as low risk who underwent computed tomography, CAC was identified in 870 (32%). Women with CAC had a sixfold greater risk for coronary events th…

Reviewing Author

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Joel M. Gore, MD

Disclosures

Grant/Research SupportNIH–National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Coronary Artery Calcium and Cardiovascular Events in Women Classified as Low Risk

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Reviewing Author