Key result
Age ≥60 is linked to ~220% higher odds of extensive CAC in asymptomatic adults.
Why the study?
Traditional risk assessments frequently fail to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic young populations, prompting evaluation of routine CAC scoring for early risk detection.
Observational (n=150)
No
Odds Ratio: 3.2
p-value: p=<0.001
Routine CAC scoring in asymptomatic adults undergoing voluntary screening reveals a high prevalence of advanced calcification, suggesting that screening often occurs after significant disease progression.
Age ≥60 associated with extensive CAC in asymptomatic screening; hypothesis-generating for age-specific thresholds, prospective validation required.
Abstract: - Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in India, with 25% of all heart attacks occurring in individuals under 40. Traditional risk assessments frequently fail to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic young populations. The integration of non-invasive Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring into routine health check-ups offers a highly sensitive method for objective risk stratification. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical utility of integrating non-invasive CAC scoring into routine annual wellness screenings for early risk detection. Methods: This retrospective clinical audit analyzed records of 150 participants undergoing comprehensive voluntary health screenings at a tertiary institution in Puducherry. Demographic data and categorical CAC severity levels were evaluated using SPSS v.26. Spearman’s rho, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests analyzed relationships between age, gender, and plaque burden (p < 0.05). Results: The cohort showed a male predominance (62.7%). Zero calcification was present in 31.3% (n=47) of participants, whereas 56.7% (n=85) presented with moderate-to-severe scores. A total absence of participants in the minimal (1–10) range indicated established rather than nascent plaque burden at presentation. Extensive calcification (CAC > 1000) was noted in 17.3% (n=26). Chronological age positively correlated with CAC scores (rs = 0.42, p < 0.001), and males displayed significantly higher median scores than females (p = 0.038). Furthermore, the 60+ age group strongly predicted extensive calcification (χ2= 12.4, p < 0.001; OR: 3.2). Conclusion: Routine CAC scoring provides critical diagnostic clarity for premature CVD risk assessment. The complete absence of nascent plaque alongside a high prevalence of advanced calcification reveals that clinical presentation for routine screening often occurs after significant disease progression, reinforcing the need for earlier clinical screening protocols.
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Murugesan et al. (2026) conducted an observational in Asymptomatic adults (n=150). Age ≥60 years vs. Age <60 years was evaluated on Extensive calcification (CAC > 1000) (OR 3.2, p=<0.001). Age ≥60 years strongly predicted extensive coronary artery calcification (CAC > 1000) among asymptomatic adults undergoing voluntary health screening (OR 3.2, p<0.001).
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