Left Main Coronary Artery Calcium and Diabetes Confer Very-High-Risk Equivalence in Coronary Artery Calcium >1,000 - JIMG July 2024-Article: Left Main Coronary Artery Calcium and Diabetes Confer Very-High-Risk Equivalence in Coronary Artery Calcium >1,000

Article: Left Main Coronary Artery Calcium and Diabetes Confer Very-High-Risk Equivalence in Coronary Artery Calcium >1,000

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The original research study focused on evaluating the risk factors associated with very high-risk atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among asymptomatic patients with a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score of 1,000. The study found that diabetes and severe left main (LM) CAC were independently associated with ASCVD mortality. Among the study participants, those with diabetes and severe LM CAC had significantly higher ASCVD mortality rates compared to those without these risk factors. The study suggests that individuals with a CAC of 1,000 who have diabetes and/or severe LM CAC are at a very high risk of ASCVD and may benefit from more intensive preventative therapies, including lower LDL cholesterol goals. The research provides insights into identifying individuals with advanced subclinical atherosclerosis who may require more aggressive prevention strategies to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events. The findings emphasize the importance of considering specific risk markers beyond total CAC score alone in determining the appropriate treatment approach for primary prevention patients with advanced atherosclerosis.

Keywords

atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

ASCVD

coronary artery calcium

CAC score

diabetes

severe left main CAC

mortality

prevention

LDL cholesterol goals

subclinical atherosclerosis