Abdominal aortic calcification ‘predicts CV risk’
Australian researchers say it could be used to flag the need for further investigations or interventions
The accumulation of calcium in a patient’s abdominal aorta could be used to predict their future risk of death, MI and stroke, a study has found.
Although its clinical value was previously unclear, evidence now suggests the presence of any abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) nearly doubles the risk of mortality and cardiovascular events.
Lead researcher Associate Professor Joshua Lewis, who specialises in disorders of mineralisation at Edith Cowan University in Perth, said AAC can sometimes precede the accumulation of coronary artery calcium (CAC).
“If we pick this up early, we can intervene and implement lifestyle and medication changes to help stop the condition progressing,” Professor Lewis said.
