Valvular & structural heart disease

Factors associated with aortic valve calcification in type 2 diabetes—a Steno INTEN-CT substudy

Eur Heart J Cardiovasc ImagingPublished cross-sectional study

Authors' conclusion

In individuals with T2D without cardiovascular disease, AVC is prevalent in nearly half of all individuals. Higher AVC was associated with T2D-related comorbidities, but not T2D severity.

Study context

Population
Individuals with T2D without ischaemic heart disease, aged 55–69 years (men) or 60–74 years (women), who underwent non-contrast cardiac computed tomography
Participants
4,570 individuals
Exposure
Clinical factors associated with AVC
Outcome
Prevalence of AVC > 0
Methodological detailspre-specified substudy of the multicentre randomized Steno INTEN-CT trial
  • Pre-specified substudy of the multicentre randomized Steno INTEN-CT trial

Main finding

As reported in the abstract

AVC > 0

46%

Observational data: associations, not effects.

Further findings

Factors associated with higher AVC (multivariable ordered logistic regression)

Estimate
AgeAssociated with higher AVC · multivariable ordered logistic regressionOR per SD 1.54 (95% CI 1.43–1.66)
BMIAssociated with higher AVC · multivariable ordered logistic regressionOR per SD 1.18 (95% CI 1.11–1.25)
HypertensionAssociated with higher AVC · multivariable ordered logistic regressionOR 1.21 (95% CI 1.05–1.40)
Chronic kidney diseaseAssociated with higher AVC · multivariable ordered logistic regressionOR 1.18 (95% CI 1.03–1.36)
Statin useAssociated with higher AVC · multivariable ordered logistic regressionOR 1.50 (95% CI 1.27–1.78)

Higher LDL cholesterol and AVC, by sex

OR (95% CI)
Higher LDL cholesterol (men)Men1.39 (1.24–1.56)
Higher LDL cholesterol (women)Women1.16 (1.02–1.31)
  • Higher LDL cholesterol and AVC, by sex: P for interaction = 0.025

T2D severity (Haemoglobin A1c, T2D duration, and number of antidiabetic drugs)

Not associated with AVC

Characteristics with increasing AVC

With increasing AVC, patients were older, predominantly males, and with significantly more comorbidities

Original publication

Factors associated with aortic valve calcification in type 2 diabetes—a Steno INTEN-CT substudy. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Imaging. Published 15 June 2026. doi:10.1093/ehjci/jeag139

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