). They studied the relationship between coronary artery calcification (CAC), revealed by electron-beam computed tomography (ELKT), and cardiovascular events in 8855 initially asymptomatic patients of the groups of low and moderate risk. Additionally, standardization of data was carried out by the presence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, diabetes and smoking status.

Participants completed questionnaires on traditional cardiovascular risk factors. With the help of medical records and death certificates was determined by the frequency of cardiovascular events during 37 months of observation. CSA was detected in 74% of men and 51% of women. In 95% of those who underwent one or another cardiovascular event, revealed the CSA. For comparison: those who had not suffered cardiovascular events, this figure was only 67%.

In men there were 192 events. They are significantly associated with the presence of CAC (relative risk (RR) 10.5, p <0.001), diabetes (RR = 1.98, p <0.008), smoking (OR = 1.4, p = 0.025). In women, it was observed 32 events. They are associated with the presence of CAC (RR = 2.6, p = 0.037) but not with other risk factors.

"ELKT can provide additional information to assess the risk of CHD," the authors conclude.

Circulation 2003; 107: rapid access issue for May 27th

Source: www.medafarm.com