BURDEN AND PATTERNS OF CORONARY ARTERY CALCIFICATION IN PATIENTS WITH CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE AND OBESITY

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality and disability in the adult population. Coronary calcification (CC) is considered an important marker of coronary atherosclerotic disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence and severity of CC in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and obesity. The study included 134 patients aged 45–74 years (78 men and 56 women). Multislice computed tomography with Agatston scoring was used for the diagnosis and quantitative assessment of coronary calcification. Coronary calcification was detected in 91.7% of examined patients. A higher prevalence of CC was observed in men compared to women. The frequency of calcification increased with age in both groups; however, no statistically significant gender differences or correlation with age were found. Women more often demonstrated minimal calcification, whereas men showed moderate forms more frequently.

It was found that coronary calcification has a dual role: it may stabilize atherosclerotic plaques but also increases the risk of plaque rupture. Even minimal calcification is associated with an unfavorable prognosis and increased risk of cardiovascular events.