Thoracic aorta calcification detected by electron beam tomography predicts all-cause mortality.

Background: The presence of coronary artery calcium (CAC) is an independent marker of increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and mortality. However, the predictive value of thoracic aorta calcification (TAC), which can be additionally identified without further scanning during assessment of CAC, is unknown.

Methods: We followed a cohort of 8401 asymptomatic individuals (mean age: 53+/-10 years, 69% men) undergoing cardiac risk factor evaluation and TAC and CAC testing with electron beam computed tomography.

Non-HDL cholesterol is strongly associated with coronary artery calcification in asymptomatic individuals.

Background: Growing evidence shows that non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Non-HDL-C) is a strong and independent predictor of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Few studies have assessed the association between traditional lipid measures and subclinical end points. In this study we analyzed the association of Non-HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG) with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a marker of subclinical atherosclerosis.

Effect of patient visualization of coronary calcium by electron beam computed tomography on changes in beneficial lifestyle behaviors.

Despite convincing data demonstrating the benefits of aspirin (ASA), exercise, and dietary changes for both primary and secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, they remain underused. In this study, we assess whether higher coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores determined by electron beam computed tomography (EBCT) are associated with beneficial lifestyle behaviors in asymptomatic individuals. A total of 980 asymptomatic patients referred for EBCT risk assessment by their primary physician were sent a survey questioning them about health behaviors.

Relationship between white blood cell count and Framingham Risk Score in asymptomatic men.

Background: There is an independent association between white blood cell (WBC) and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. However, the relationship between WBC and Framingham Risk Score (FRS) remains unclear.

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study on a consecutive sample of 520 white asymptomatic men (mean age 46 +/- 7 years) without CHD.

Subclinical coronary atherosclerosis: racial profiling is necessary!

Objectives: We aim to review the studies comparing coronary calcification across different ethnic groups.

Background: There is still uncertainty regarding ethnic differences in the prevalence, progression, and risk of coronary artery disease. Clues to possible racial differences in rates of coronary heart disease (CHD) may be found by identifying subclinical disease.

Assessment of cardiac function using multidetector row computed tomography.

In patients with suspected or documented heart disease, a precise quantitative and qualitative assessment of cardiac function is critical for clinical diagnosis, risk stratification, management and prognosis. Cardiac CT is increasingly being used in diagnosis of coronary artery disease. Initially multi-detector row computed tomography (MDCT) was used chiefly for detecting coronary artery stenosis and assessment of cardiac morphology.

Association of increased cardiorespiratory fitness with low risk for clustering of metabolic syndrome components in asymptomatic men.

Background: From a preventive aspect, it is especially important to investigate the lifestyle risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of increasing metabolic syndrome (MS) components across increasing levels of estimated cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in asymptomatic young to middle-aged men.

Methods: We studied 449 consecutive asymptomatic men (47 +/- 7 years) who underwent a maximal treadmill exercise test according to the Bruce protocol.

Increased level of cardiorespiratory fitness blunts the inflammatory response in metabolic syndrome.

Objective: The presence of metabolic syndrome is associated with a higher degree of inflammation. We sought to assess whether the higher levels of cardiorespiratory fitness attenuate the levels of inflammation in people with metabolic syndrome.

Research Design And Methods: We studied 449 consecutive asymptomatic men (47+/-7 years) who underwent a maximal treadmill exercise test according to the Bruce protocol.