Which Coronary Calcium Measure Predicts Cardiovascular Events?

Data from a diverse cohort suggest that both calcium volume and density have value as predictors, but in different directions.

Coronary artery calcium (CAC), typically measured using Agatston scoring of plaque area and plaque-specific density on computed tomography, strongly predicts cardiovascular disease (CVD) events. However, evidence from some studies comparing patients with acute coronary heart disease (CHD) and those with stable CHD suggests that the calcium density of coronary plaques may protect against CVD events. To reconcile this apparent inconsistency, researchers analyzed data from 3398 people in the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis who, at baseline, had no known CVD and a CAC score greater than zero.

During a median follow-up of 7.6 years, 265 CVD events occurred, of which 175 were CHD events. In a multivariable model that included both CAC volume…

Reviewing Author

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

JoAnne M. Foody, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardAegerion; Amarin; Bristol-Myers Squibb; Janssen; Merck; Pfizer; Sanofi-Aventis; Boehringer Ingelheim

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Cardiology, Cardiosmart (Co-chair)

Which Coronary Calcium Measure Predicts Cardiovascular Events?

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Reviewing Author