Coronary artery calcification distribution and progression in over 70 000 asymptomatic individuals: implications for assessment intervals and optimal testing age
Authors' conclusion
In a large Korean cohort of over 70 000 asymptomatic adults, most had baseline CAC = 0, indicating low subclinical atherosclerosis. Significant calcification (CAC > 100) was rare within 5-6 years, with only 4% exceeding 100 by 10 years, even among older subgroups.
Study context
- Population
- Asymptomatic individuals aged over 30 years from Korea, with at least two CAC score assessments (2010–22)asymptomatic individuals with at least two CAC score assessments
- Participants
- 70,389 individuals
- Exposure
- The entire cohort vs those with at least four assessments within 10 years vs those with follow-up after five years
- Outcome
- Baseline CAC score distribution
- Follow-up
- Baseline
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Baseline CAC score of 0
84%
Baseline CAC scores > 100
3%
Women with a CAC score of 0
93%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Incident CAC among participants with an initial score of 0 · within five to six years
- Incident CAC developed
- 16%
- Exceeding score of 100
- 1%
CAC scores > 100 on extended follow-up · after 10 years
- Exceeding scores > 100
- 4%
Original publication
Coronary artery calcification distribution and progression in over 70 000 asymptomatic individuals: implications for assessment intervals and optimal testing age. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. Published 24 April 2025. doi:10.
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