Association of cardiovascular risk factors to aortic valve calcification as quantified by electron beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association among aortic valve calcification, cardiovascular risk factors, and coronary artery calcification using electron beam computed tomography (EBCT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We analyzed cardiac EBCT data obtained for coronary calcium detection in 1000 consecutively enrolled patients (mean +/- SD age, 57.1 +/- 10 years; 69% men) between January 1, 1998, and July 23, 2001. In all patients, atherosclerotic risk factors (hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, and family history of coronary artery disease) were documented. With EBCT, the amount of coronary calcification was determined using the Agatston score, and the amount of aortic valve calcification was measured using a volumetric score.

RESULTS

Aortic valve calcification was detected in 177 (17.7%) of the total patient group and was found more frequently in patients with coronary calcification (20.5% in patients with coronary calcium vs 3.8% in patients without coronary calcium; P < .001), hyperlipidemia (19.5% vs 6.5%; P < .001), hypertension (21.7% vs 13.9%; P = .01), or diabetes (30.7% vs 16.6%; P = .002). The volume of aortic valve calcification was significantly higher in patients with vs without hyperlipidemia (P < .001), hypertension (P = .002), and diabetes (P = .001). In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, adjusted for age and sex, hyperlipidemia (P = .001) and the presence of coronary calcification (P < .001) were significant predictors of aortic valve calcification.

CONCLUSION

A significant association exists among atherosclerotic risk factors, coronary calcification, and the presence and amount of aortic valve calcification.