Prognostic value of coronary computed tomographic angiography findings in asymptomatic individuals: a 6-year follow-up from the prospective multicentre international CONFIRM study

2025 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2025 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2024 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. This year's edition includes a continued focus on health equity across several key domains and enhanced global data that reflect improved methods and incorporation of ≈3000 new data sources since last year's Statistical Update.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Phenotyping atherosclerotic plaque and perivascular adipose tissue: signalling pathways and clinical biomarkers in atherosclerosis

Computed tomography coronary angiography provides a non-invasive evaluation of coronary artery disease that includes phenotyping of atherosclerotic plaques and the surrounding perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT). Image analysis techniques have been developed to quantify atherosclerotic plaque burden and morphology as well as the associated PVAT attenuation, and emerging radiomic approaches can add further contextual information. PVAT attenuation might provide a novel measure of vascular health that could be indicative of the pathogenetic processes implicated in atherosclerosis such as inflammation, fibrosis or increased vascularity. Bidirectional signalling between the coronary artery and adjacent PVAT has been hypothesized to contribute to coronary artery disease progression and provide a potential novel measure of the risk of future cardiovascular events. However, despite the development of more advanced radiomic and artificial intelligence-based algorithms, studies involving large datasets suggest that the measurement of PVAT attenuation contributes only modest additional predictive discrimination to standard cardiovascular risk scores. In this Review, we explore the pathobiology of coronary atherosclerotic plaques and PVAT, describe their phenotyping with computed tomography coronary angiography, and discuss potential future applications in clinical risk prediction and patient management.

Prognostic value of systolic left ventricular ejection fraction using prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT

BACKGROUND

Prospective ECG-triggered cardiac computed tomography (CT) imaging limits the ability to assess left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). We previously developed a new index derived from LV volume changes over 100 ​ms during systole (LVEF100msec) as a surrogate of LV function in patients undergoing prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT. We sought to evaluate the prognostic value of LVEF100msec.

METHODS

Patients undergoing prospective systolic ECG-triggered cardiac CT were enrolled between January 2015 and September 2022. Each CT was analyzed for LVEF100msec. Area under the curve analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used to define the best LVEF100msec cut-off and to predict major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), defined as a composite of all-cause death, cardiac death/arrest, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and stroke.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 313 patients (median age ​= ​58 years, male ​= ​52.4 ​%). During a median follow-up of 924 (660-1365) days, 24 (7.7 ​%) patients had MACE. LVEF100msec was significantly lower in the MACE group compared to the non-MACE group (4.8 ​% vs. 8.3 ​%, p ​= ​0.002). Optimal LVEF100msec cut-off for predicting MACE was 6.3 ​%. MACE-free survival rate was significantly lower in patients with LVEF100msec ≤6.3 ​% than those with >6.3 ​% (p ​< ​0.001). LVEF100msec ≤6.3 ​% was an independent predictor of MACE, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 3.758 (95 ​% CI, 1.543-9.148; p ​= ​0.004). The prognostic value of LVEF100msec was consistent across the various severities of coronary artery disease.

CONCLUSION

LVEF100msec was an independent predictor of adverse events. The implementation of LVEF100msec may improve the prognostic value of prospective ECG-triggered cardiac CT.

Beyond the Agatston calcium score: role of calcium density and other calcified plaque markers for cardiovascular disease prediction

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To review the current evidence and highlight future strategies regarding consideration of coronary artery calcium (CAC) density in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk stratification.

RECENT FINDINGS

Expressed as the product of plaque area and a peak calcium density weighting factor, the Agatston method is the gold-standard for measuring CAC on noncontrast cardiac computed tomography. Over the last decade, observational data have suggested that calcium density is inversely associated with CVD events and confers additional prognostic information independent of traditional risk factors and Agatston CAC scores. Specific density measures have been assessed including peak calcium density, mean CAC density, and CAC area-density discordance. Beyond calcium density, the number of affected arteries and regional distribution of CAC which may be correlated with CAC density have also improved the predictive utility of the Agatston score.

SUMMARY

Calcium density is inversely associated with CVD risk after considering plaque area and/or volume. Calcium markers including density, vessel involvement, and regional distribution confer additional prognostic information for the prediction of incident CVD among those with prevalent subclinical atherosclerosis. A future area of study includes calcium radiomics ('calcium-omics') and whether the artificial intelligence-derived automated measurement of calcium markers beyond the Agatston score may be of value in CVD risk stratification among individuals with early to advanced subclinical atherosclerosis.

Advancements in Cardiac CT Imaging: The Era of Artificial Intelligence

In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced the field of cardiac computed tomography (CT), with its scope further enhanced by advanced methodologies such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). The AI-driven techniques leverage large datasets to develop and train algorithms capable of making precise evaluations and predictions. The realm of cardiac CT is expanding day by day and multiple tools are offered to answer different questions. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and CT angiography (CTA) provide high-resolution images that facilitate the detailed anatomical evaluation of coronary plaque burden. New tools such as myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) and fractional flow reserve (FFRCT) have been developed to add a functional evaluation of the stenosis. Moreover, epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is gaining interest as its role in coronary artery plaque development has been deepened. Seen the great added value of these tools, the demand for new exams has increased such as the burden on imagers. Due to its ability to fast compute multiple data, AI can be helpful in both the acquisition and post-processing phases. AI can possibly reduce radiation dose, increase image quality, and shorten image analysis time. Moreover, different types of data can be used for risk assessment and patient risk stratification. Recently, the focus of the scientific community on AI has led to numerous studies, especially on CACS and CTA. This narrative review concentrates on AI's role in the post-processing of CACS, CTA, FFRCT, CTP, and EAT, discussing both current capabilities and future directions in the field of cardiac imaging.

Longitudinal assessment of serum albumin levels with the risk of coronary artery calcification progression in an asymptomatic population of Korean adults: an observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

This study evaluated the association between serum albumin levels and coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression in asymptomatic adults without hypoalbuminaemia at baseline.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Data from the Korea Initiatives on Coronary Artery Calcification (KOICA) which is a retrospective, single ethnicity, multicentre and observational registry were analysed.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 12 344 Korean adults with baseline albumin level of ≥3.5 g/dL (51.7±8.5 years; 84.3% male) were included. The median interscan period was 3.0 (2.0-4.8) years. All participants were stratified into three groups based on serum albumin tertile.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

Association of serum albumin with the risk of CAC progression was analysed using multivariate logistic regression models with adjustment of interscan period. CAC progression was defined as a square root (√) transformed difference between the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium score (CACS) (Δ√transformed CACS) of ≥2.5. Annualised Δ√transformed CACS was defined as Δ√transformed CACS divided by interscan period.

RESULTS

With increasing serum albumin tertiles, the annualised Δ√transformed CACS (I (lowest): 0.16 (0-1.24) vs II: 0 (0-1.09) vs III (highest): 0 (0-1.01)) and the incidence of CAC progression (I: 36.6% vs II: 31.3% vs III: 25.0%) were decreased despite higher prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidaemia (all p<0.05). Serum albumin levels were inversely related to the annualised Δ√transformed CACS and the risk of CAC progression among overall participants. After adjusting for age, sex, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, obesity, current smoking, alcohol consumption, serum creatinine levels, baseline CACS and interscan period, this inverse association between serum albumin levels (per-1 g/dL increase) and the risk of CAC progression was consistently observed, especially in baseline CACS of 1-10 (OR: 0.392, 95% CI: 0.234 to 0.658) and 11-100 (OR: 0.580, 95% CI: 0.381 to 0.883) (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Serum albumin levels were inversely associated with the risk of CAC progression. This phenomenon was predominantly observed in CACS of 1-100 at baseline.

Sex difference in the risk of coronary artery calcification progression related to hyperuricemia among asymptomatic 12,316 Korean adults

Data on hyperuricemia-related changes in coronary atherosclerosis are limited, especially in sex difference. This study evaluated the association between hyperuricemia and coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression in asymptomatic Korean men and women. We analysed the data of 12,316 asymptomatic adults (51.7 ± 8.5 years; 84.2% men) with a mean follow-up of 3.3 years. Participants were divided into two groups: those with and without hyperuricemia (serum uric acid levels > 7.0 mg/dL for men and > 6.0 mg/dL for women). CAC progression was defined as a difference of ≥ 2.5 between the square roots of the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium score (CACS) (Δ√transformed CACS). The incidence of CAC progression was higher in men with hyperuricemia than in those without the condition (37.9% vs. 32.3%, P < 0.001); however, no significant difference in the incidence of CAC progression was observed in women with and without hyperuricemia (20.2% vs. 15.8%, P = 0.243). After adjusting for age, hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, obesity, current smoking status, serum creatinine, baseline CACS, and inter-scan periods, hyperuricemia was associated with increased risk of CAC progression in men (odds ratio [OR]: 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06 - 1.36, P = 0.004); however, hyperuricemia was not significantly associated with the risk of CAC progression in women (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.36 - 1.49, P = 0.385). In conclusion, hyperuricemia is more closely associated with CAC progression in men than in women among asymptomatic Korean adults.

Contact with general practice in patients with suspected chronic coronary syndrome before and after CT angiography compared with the general population

BACKGROUND

Most patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) to diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) are referred from general practitioners (GPs). The burden of contacts to GP in relation to investigation of suspected CAD is unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

All patients undergoing CCTA in Western Denmark from 2014 to 2022 were included. CCTA stenosis was defined as diameter stenosis of ≥50%. Patients with and without stenosis were matched, in each group, 1:5 to a reference population based on birth year, gender, and municipality using data from national registries. All GP visits were registered up to 5 years preceding and 1 year after the CTA and stratified by gender and age. Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) was calculated in all groups.Of the 62 512 patients included, 12 886 had a stenosis, while 49 626 did not. Patients in both groups had a substantially higher GP visit frequency compared with reference populations. In the year of coronary CTA, the median GP contacts in patients with stenosis were 11 (6-17) vs. 6 (2-11) in the reference population (P < 0.001), and in patients without stenosis, the median GP contacts were 10 (6-17) vs. 5 (2-11) (P < 0.001). These findings were consistent across age and gender. CCI was higher among both patients with and without stenosis compared with reference groups.

CONCLUSION

In patients undergoing CCTA to diagnose CAD, a substantially increased frequency of contacts to GP was observed in the 5-year period prior to examination compared with the reference populations, regardless of the CCTA findings. Obtaining the CCTA result did not seem to substantially affect the GP visit frequency.

Current and Emerging Approaches for Primary Prevention of Coronary Artery Disease Using Cardiac Computed Tomography

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To summarize the current use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) technologies as well as their pertinent evidence in regards to prevention of coronary artery disease (CAD).

RECENT FINDINGS

Cardiac CTA has now become a main non-invasive method for the evaluation of symptomatic CAD. In addition to coronary calcium score, other CT technologies such as atherosclerotic plaque analysis, fractional flow reserve estimation by CT, pericoronary fat attenuation, and endothelial wall shear stress have emerged. Whether the use of CT modalities can enhance risk prediction and prevention in CAD has not been fully answered. We discuss the evidence for coronary artery calcium scoring and coronary CT angiography in primary prevention and the current barriers to their use. We attempt to delineate what can be done to expand use and what studies are needed to broaden adoption in the future. We also examine the potential roles of emerging CT technologies. Finally, we describe potential clinical approaches to prevention that would incorporate cardiac CT technologies.

Computed Tomography Evaluation of Coronary Atherosclerosis: The Road Travelled, and What Lies Ahead

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) is now endorsed by all major cardiology guidelines for the investigation of chest pain and assessment for coronary artery disease (CAD) in appropriately selected patients. CAD is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. There is extensive literature to support CCTA diagnostic and prognostic value both for stable and acute symptoms. It enables rapid and cost-effective rule-out of CAD, and permits quantification and characterization of coronary plaque and associated significance. In this comprehensive review, we detail the road traveled as CCTA evolved to include quantitative assessment of plaque stenosis and extent, characterization of plaque characteristics including high-risk features, functional assessment including fractional flow reserve-CT (FFR-CT), and CT perfusion techniques. The state of current guideline recommendations and clinical applications are reviewed, as well as future directions in the rapidly advancing field of CT technology, including photon counting and applications of artificial intelligence (AI).

Cardiovascular Aging and Risk Assessment: How Multimodality Imaging Can Help

Aging affects the cardiovascular system, and this process may be accelerated in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors. The main vascular changes include arterial wall thickening, calcification, and stiffening, together with aortic dilatation and elongation. With aging, we can observe left ventricular hypertrophy with myocardial fibrosis and left atrial dilatation. These changes may lead to heart failure and atrial fibrillation. Using multimodality imaging, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging, it is possible to detect these changes. Additionally, multimodality imaging, mainly via CT measurements of coronary artery calcium or ultrasound carotid intima-media thickness, enables advanced cardiovascular risk stratification and helps in decision-making about preventive strategies. The focus of this manuscript is to briefly review cardiovascular changes that occur with aging, as well as to describe how multimodality imaging may be used for the assessment of these changes and risk stratification of asymptomatic individuals.

Cardiovascular risk and subclinical atherosclerosis in first-degree relatives of patients with premature cardiovascular disease

Background

Screening first-degree relatives (FDRs) of patients with premature coronary artery disease (CAD) is recommended but not routinely performed.

Objectives

To assess the diagnostic yield and impact on clinical management of a clinical and imaging-based screening program of FDRs delivered in the setting of routine clinical care.

Methods

We recruited FDRs of patients with premature CAD with no personal history of CAD and prospectively assessed for: 1) cardiovascular risk and presence of significant subclinical atherosclerosis (SA) defined as plaque on carotid ultrasound, stenosis >50% or extensive atherosclerosis on coronary computed tomography angiography, or coronary artery calcium scores >100 Agatston units or >75% percentile for age and sex; 2) utilization of preventive medications and lipid levels prior enrolment and after completion of the assessment.

Results

We assessed 132 FDRs (60.6% females), mean (SD) age 47(17) years old. Cardiovascular risk was high in 38.2%, moderate in 12.2%, and low in 49.6% of FDRs. SA was present in 34.1% of FDRs, including 12.5% in low, 51.9% in moderate, and 55.0% in high calculated risk groups. After assessment, LLT was initiated in 32.6% of FDRs and intensified in 16.0% leading to mean (SD) LDL-C decrease of 1.07(1.10) mmol/L in patients with high calculated risk or SA. LLT was recommended to all patients with high calculated risk, but those with SA were more likely to receive the medications from pharmacies (93.3% vs 60.0%, p = 0.006).

Conclusion

Screening the FDRs of patients with premature CAD is feasible, may have high diagnostic yield and impact risk factor management.

Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction and the role of cardiovascular imaging: systemic review and opinion paper from the Working Group on Cardio-Oncology of the Korean Society of Cardiology

Cardio-oncology is a critical field due to the escalating significance of cardiovascular toxicity as a side effect of anticancer treatments. Cancer therapy-related cardiac dysfunction (CTRCD) is a prevalent condition associated with cardiovascular toxicity, necessitating effective strategies for prediction, monitoring, management, and tracking. This comprehensive review examines the definition and risk stratification of CTRCD, explores monitoring approaches during anticancer therapy, and highlights specific cardiovascular toxicities linked to various cancer treatments. These include anthracyclines, HER2-targeted agents, vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes therapies. Incorporating the Korean data, this review offers insights into the regional nuances in managing CTRCD. Using systematic follow-up incorporating cardiovascular imaging and biomarkers, a better understanding and management of CTRCD can be achieved, optimizing the cardiovascular health of both cancer patients and survivors.

Self-reported exercise activity influences the relationship between coronary computed tomography angiographic finding and mortality

AIM

Recent studies suggest that the application of exercise activity questionnaires, including the use of a single-item exercise question, can be additive to the prognostic efficacy of imaging findings. This study aims to evaluate the prognostic efficacy of exercise activity in patients undergoing coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA).

METHODS AND RESULTS

We assessed 9772 patients who underwent CCTA at a single center between 2007 and 2020. Patients were divided into 4 groups of physical activity as no exercise (n ​= ​1643, 17%), mild exercise (n ​= ​3156, 32%), moderate exercise (n ​= ​3542, 36%), and high exercise (n ​= ​1431,15%), based on a single-item self-reported questionnaire. Coronary stenosis was categorized as no (0%), non-obstructive (1-49%), borderline (50-69%), and obstructive (≥70%). During a median follow-up of 4.64 (IQR 1.53-7.89) years, 490 (7.6%) died. There was a stepwise inverse relationship between exercise activity and mortality (p ​< ​0.001). Compared with the high activity group, the no activity group had a 3-fold higher mortality risk (HR: 3.3, 95%CI (1.94-5.63), p ​< ​0.001) after adjustment for age, clinical risk factors, symptoms, and statin use. For any level of CCTA stenosis, mortality rates were inversely associated with the degree of patients' exercise activity. The risk of all-cause mortality was similar among the patients with obstructive stenosis with high exercise versus those with no coronary stenosis but no exercise activity (p ​= ​0.912).

CONCLUSION

Physical activity as assessed by a single-item self-reported questionnaire is a strong stepwise inverse predictor of mortality risk among patients undergoing CCTA.

Cardiac CT: Competition, complimentary or confounder

Coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has been gradually adopted into clinical practice over the last two decades. CCTA has high diagnostic accuracy, prognostic value, and unique features such as assessment of plaque composition. CCTA-derived functional assessment techniques such as fractional flow reserve and CT perfusion are also available and can increase the diagnostic specificity of the modality. These properties propound CCTA as a competitor of functional testing in diagnosis of obstructive CAD, however, utilizing CCTA in a concomitant fashion to potentiate the performance of the latter can lead to better patient care and may provide more accurate prognostic information. Although multiple diagnostic challenges such as evaluation of calcified segments, stents, and small distal vessels still exist, the technologic developments in hardware as well as growing incorporation of artificial intelligence to daily practice are all set to augment the diagnostic and prognostic role of CCTA in cardiovascular disorders.

Atherosclerosis evaluation and cardiovascular risk estimation using coronary computed tomography angiography

Clinical risk scores based on traditional risk factors of atherosclerosis correlate imprecisely to an individual's complex pathophysiological predisposition to atherosclerosis and provide limited accuracy for predicting major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Over the past two decades, computed tomography scanners and techniques for coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) analysis have substantially improved, enabling more precise atherosclerotic plaque quantification and characterization. The accuracy of CCTA for quantifying stenosis and atherosclerosis has been validated in numerous multicentre studies and has shown consistent incremental prognostic value for MACE over the clinical risk spectrum in different populations. Serial CCTA studies have advanced our understanding of vascular biology and atherosclerotic disease progression. The direct disease visualization of CCTA has the potential to be used synergistically with indirect markers of risk to significantly improve prevention of MACE, pending large-scale randomized evaluation.

Coronary Artery Disease: Role of Computed Tomography and Recent Advances

In this review, the authors summarize the role of coronary computed tomography angiography and coronary artery calcium scoring in different clinical presentations of chest pain and preventative care and discuss future directions and new technologies such as pericoronary fat inflammation and the growing footprint of artificial intelligence in cardiovascular medicine.

Association between obstructive coronary disease and diabetic retinopathy: Cross-sectional study of coronary angiotomography and multimodal retinal imaging

AIMS

To investigate the association between diabetic retinopathy (DR) and coronary artery disease (CAD) using coronary angiotomography (CCTA) and multimodal retinal imaging (MMRI) with ultra-widefield retinography and optical coherence tomography angiography and structural domain.

METHODS

Single-center, cross-sectional, single-blind. Patients with diabetes who had undergone CCTA underwent MMRI. Uni and multivariate analysis were used to assess the association between CAD and DR and to identify variables independently associated with DR.

RESULTS

We included 171 patients, 87 CAD and 84 non-CAD. Most CAD patients were males (74 % vs 38 %, P < 0.01), insulin users (52 % vs 38 %, p < 0.01) and revascularized (64 %). They had a higher prevalence of DR (48 % vs 22 %, p = 0.01), microaneurysms (25 % vs 13 %, p = 0.04), intraretinal cysts (22 % vs 8 %, p = 0.01) and areas of reduced capillary density (46 % vs 20 %, p < 0.01). CAD patients also had lower mean vascular density (MVD) (15.7 % vs 16.5,%, p = 0.049) and foveal avascular zone (FAZ) circularity (0.64 ± 0.1 vs 0.69 ± 0.1, p = 0.04). There were significant and negative correlations between Duke coronary score and MVD (r = -0.189; p = 0.03) and FAZ circularity (r = -0,206; p = 0.02). CAD, DM duration and insulin use independently associated with DR.

CONCLUSIONS

CAD patients had higher prevalence of DR and lower MVD. CAD, DM duration and insulin use were independently associated with DR.

2024 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics: A Report of US and Global Data From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association (AHA), in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, nutrition, sleep, and obesity) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, glucose control, and metabolic syndrome) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The AHA Heart Disease and Stroke Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, brain health, complications of pregnancy, kidney disease, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, sudden cardiac arrest, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, cardiomyopathy, heart failure, valvular disease, venous thromboembolism, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The AHA, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States and globally to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2024 AHA Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2023 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and AHA staff members. The AHA strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional global data, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Use of coronary artery calcium score and coronary CT angiography to guide cardiovascular prevention and treatment

Currently, cardiovascular risk stratification to guide preventive therapy relies on clinical scores based on cardiovascular risk factors. However, the discriminative power of these scores is relatively modest. The use of coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) has surfaced as methods for enhancing the estimation of risk and potentially providing insights for personalized treatment in individual patients. CACS improves overall cardiovascular risk prediction and may be used to improve the yield of statin therapy in primary prevention, and possibly identify patients with a favorable risk/benefit relationship for antiplatelet therapies. CCTA holds promise to guide anti-atherosclerotic therapies and to monitor individual response to these treatments by assessing individual plaque features, quantifying total plaque volume and composition, and assessing peri-coronary adipose tissue. In this review, we aim to summarize current evidence regarding the use of CACS and CCTA for guiding lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapy and discuss the possibility of using plaque burden and plaque phenotyping to monitor response to anti-atherosclerotic therapies.

Exercise and cardiac rehabilitation in hypertensive patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: A position statement on behalf of the Working Group of Arterial Hypertension of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology

Arterial hypertension is a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality and the most common cause of comorbidity in heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). As an adjunct to medication, healthy lifestyle modifications with emphasis on regular exercise are strongly recommended by both the hypertension and the HF guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology. Several long-term studies have shown that exercise is associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality, a favorable cardiac and metabolic risk profile, mental health, and other non-cardiovascular benefits, as well as an improvement in overall quality of life. However, the instructions for the prescriptive or recommended exercise in hypertensive patients and, more specifically, in those with HFpEF are not well defined. Moreover, the evidence is based on observational or small randomized studies, while well-designed clinical trials are lacking. Despite the proven benefit and the guidelines' recommendations, exercise programs and cardiac rehabilitation in patients with hypertensive heart disease and HFpEF are grossly underutilized. This position statement provides a general framework for exercise and exercise-based rehabilitation in patients with hypertension and HFpEF, guides clinicians' rehabilitation strategies, and facilitates clinical practice. It has been endorsed by the Working Group of Arterial Hypertension of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology and is focused on the Health Care System in Greece.

Noninvasive Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque Imaging

Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite remarkable advances in the management of coronary artery disease, the prediction of adverse coronary events remains challenging. Over the preceding decades, considerable effort has been made to improve risk stratification using noninvasive imaging. Recently, these efforts have increasingly focused on the direct imaging of coronary atherosclerotic plaque. Modern imaging now allows imaging of coronary plaque burden, plaque type, atherosclerotic plaque activity, and plaque thrombosis, which have major potential to refine patient risk stratification, aid decision making, and advance future clinical practice.

Prognostic value of coronary CT angiography for the prediction of all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction: a propensity score analysis

To explore the relationship between comprehensive assessment of coronary atherosclerosis by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in the Chinese population. Sixty-three patients from the prospective long-term study who experienced major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during the follow-up were included. No-MACE patients were 1:1 propensity-matched. Various qualitative and quantitative CCTA parameters, such as coronary artery calcium score (CACS), high-risk plaque, coronary artery disease (CAD) severity, number of obstructive vessels, segment involvement score (SIS), segment stenosis score (SSS), computed tomography-adapt Leaman score (CT-LeSc), and peri-coronary adipose tissue (PCAT) CT attenuation, were compared between both groups. Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the association between CCTA parameters and MACE. The MACE group had higher CACS, more high-risk plaques, more obstructive CAD, more obstructive vessels, higher PCAT CT attenuation, and higher coronary atherosclerotic burden (SIS: 5.76 ± 3.36 vs. 2.84 ± 3.07; SSS: 11.06 ± 8.41 vs. 3.94 ± 4.78; CT-LeSc: 11.25 ± 6.57 vs. 5.49 ± 5.82) than the control group (all p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, hazard ratios were 1.058 for the SSS (p = 0.004), and 2.152 for the obstructive CAD. When the burden of coronary atherosclerosis was defined as the CT-LeSc, hazard ratios were 1.057 for the CT-LeSc (p = 0.036), and 2.272 for the obstructive CAD. The SSS, CT-LeSc, and presence of obstructive CAD were independently associated with the all-cause mortality and non-fatal myocardial infarction in the suspected CADs in the Chinese population.

Preventative Imaging with Coronary Computed Tomography Angiography

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) is the diagnostic modality of choice for patients with stable chest pain. In this review, we scrutinize the evidence on the use of CCTA for the screening of asymptomatic patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Clinical evidence suggests that CCTA imaging enhances cardiovascular risk stratification and prompts the timely initiation of preventive treatment leading to reduced risk of major adverse coronary events. Visualization of coronary plaques by CCTA also helps patients to comply with preventive medications. The presence of non-obstructive plaques and total plaque burden are prognostic for cardiovascular events. High-risk plaque features and pericoronary fat attenuation index, enrich the prognostic output of CCTA on top of anatomical information by capturing information on plaque vulnerability and coronary inflammatory burden. Timely detection of atherosclerotic disease or coronary inflammation by CCTA can assist in the deployment of targeted preventive strategies and novel therapeutics to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Non-Calcified Coronary Artery Plaque on Coronary Computed Tomography Angiogram: Prevalence and Significance

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the prevalence of non-calcified plaque (NCP) on computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. In addition, we seek to compare plaque assessment on CCTA with intravascular ultrasound-virtual histology (IVUS-VH) and to assess the prognostic value of non-calcified plaques (NCPs).

BACKGROUND

The CCTA can characterize coronary plaques and help quantify burden. Furthermore, it can provide additional prognostic information which can enable further risk stratification of patients.

METHODS

We performed a broad comprehensive review of the current literature pertaining to CCTA and primarily isolated NCP in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients. In addition, our review included studies correlating plaque on CT with IVUS-VH.

CONCLUSIONS

NCP is the initial precursor of calcified plaque and serves as a prominent marker of early coronary atherosclerosis. By detecting NCP during early stages, several measures can be implemented which can alter the evolutionary course of the underlying disease. This can potentially lead to a lower incidence of cardiovascular events.

Blood-Based and Imaging Biomarkers of Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of arterial thrombosis, causing acute occlusive cardiovascular syndromes. Numerous risk prediction models have been developed, which mathematically combine multiple predictors, to estimate the risk of developing cardiovascular events. Current risk models typically do not include information from biomarkers that can potentially improve these existing prediction models especially if they are pathophysiologically relevant. Numerous cardiovascular disease biomarkers have been investigated that have focused on known pathophysiological pathways including those related to cardiac stress, inflammation, matrix remodelling, and endothelial dysfunction. Imaging biomarkers have also been studied that have yielded promising results with a potential higher degree of clinical applicability in detection of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular event prediction. To further improve therapy decision-making and guidance, there is continuing intense research on emerging biologically relevant biomarkers. As the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is multifactorial, improvements in discrimination and reclassification in risk prediction models will likely involve multiple biomarkers. This article will provide an overview of the literature on potential blood-based and imaging biomarkers of atherosclerosis studied so far, as well as potential future directions.

When Does a Calcium Score Equate to Secondary Prevention?: Insights From the Multinational CONFIRM Registry

BACKGROUND

Elevated coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores in subjects without prior atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) have been shown to be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.

OBJECTIVES

The authors sought to determine at what level individuals with elevated CAC scores who have not had an ASCVD event should be treated as aggressively for cardiovascular risk factors as patients who have already survived an ASCVD event.

METHODS

The authors performed a cohort study comparing event rates of patients with established ASVCD to event rates in persons with no history of ASCVD and known calcium scores to ascertain at what level elevated CAC scores equate to risk associated with existing ASCVD. In the multinational CONFIRM (Coronary CT Angiography Evaluation for Clinical Outcomes: An International Multicenter) registry, the authors compared ASCVD event rates in persons without a history of myocardial infarction (MI) or revascularization (as categorized on CAC scores) to event rates in those with established ASCVD. They identified 4,511 individuals without known coronary artery disease (CAC) who were compared to 438 individuals with established ASCVD. CAC was categorized as 0, 1 to 100, 101 to 300, and >300. Cumulative major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE), MACE plus late revascularization, MI, and all-cause mortality incidence was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method for persons with no ASCVD history by CAC level and persons with established ASCVD. Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to calculate HRs with 95% CIs, which were adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

RESULTS

The mean age was 57.6 ± 12.4 years (56% male). In total, 442 of 4,949 (9%) patients experienced MACEs over a median follow-up of 4 years (IQR: 1.7-5.7 years). Incident MACEs increased with higher CAC scores, with the highest rates observed with CAC score >300 and in those with prior ASCVD. All-cause mortality, MACEs, MACE + late revascularization, and MI event rates were not statistically significantly different in those with CAC >300 compared with established ASCVD (all P > 0.05). Persons with a CAC score <300 had substantially lower event rates.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with CAC scores >300 are at an equivalent risk of MACE and its components as those treated for established ASCVD. This observation, that those with CAC >300 have event rates comparable to those with established ASCVD, supplies important background for further study related to secondary prevention treatment targets in subjects without prior ASCVD with elevated CAC. Understanding the CAC scores that are associated with ASCVD risk equivalent to stable secondary prevention populations may be important for guiding the intensity of preventive approaches more broadly.

Prognostic value of coronary CTA-based classifications for predicting major events without obstructive coronary artery disease

We aim to explore the classifications based on coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) for predicting the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with suspected non-obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and compare with traditional non-obstructive CAD (NOCAD) classification, Duke prognostic NOCAD index, Non-obstructive coronary artery disease reporting and data system (NOCAD-RADS). 4378 consecutive non-obstructive CAD patients were assessed by coronary CTA for traditional NOCAD classification, Duke prognostic NOCAD index, NOCAD-RADS and a new classification (stenosis proximal involvement, SPI) from two medical centrals. We defined proximal involvement as any plaque was present in the main or proximal segments of coronary artery (left main, left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, or right coronary artery). The main outcome was MACE. During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, a total of 310 patients experienced MACE event. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed the cumulative events increased significantly associated with traditional NOCAD, Duke NOCAD index, NOCAD-RADS and SPI classifications (all P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regressions, the risk for the events increased from HR 1.20 (95% CI 0.78-1.83, P = 0.408) for SPI 1 to 1.35 (95% CI 1.05-1.73, P = 0.019) for SPI 2, using SPI 0 as the reference group. Coronary CTA based SPI classification provided important prognostic information for all cause-mortality risk and MACE prediction in patients with non-obstructive CAD, which was non-inferior than traditional NOCAD, Duke NOCAD Index and NOCAD-RADS classifications. The plaque location information by coronary CTA may provide additional risk prediction in patients with non-obstructive CAD.

Assessment of Normal Systolic Blood Pressure Maintenance with the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification Progression in Asymptomatic Metabolically Healthy Korean Adults with Normal Weight, Overweight, and Obesity

Metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) is known to have a close association with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis. Despite recent data on the benefit of intensive systolic blood pressure (SBP) control in diverse clinical conditions, little is known regarding the association of normal SBP maintenance (SBP_maintain) with coronary artery calcification (CAC) progression in MHO. This study included 2724 asymptomatic adults (48.8 ± 7.8 years; 77.9% men) who had no metabolic abnormalities except overweight and obesity. Participants with normal weight (44.2%), overweight (31.6%), and obesity (24.2%) were divided into two groups: normal SBP_maintain (follow-up SBP < 120 mm Hg) and ≥elevated SBP_maintain (follow-up SBP ≥ 120 mm Hg). CAC progression was defined using the SQRT method, a difference of ≥2.5 between the square root (√) of the baseline and follow-up coronary artery calcium score. During a mean follow-up of 3.4 years, the proportion of normal SBP_maintain (76.2%, 65.2%, and 59.1%) and the incidence of CAC progression (15.0%, 21.3%, and 23.5%) was different in participants with normal weight, overweight, and obesity (all p < 0.05, respectively). The incidence of CAC progression was lower in the normal SBP_maintain group than in the ≥elevated SBP_maintain group in only participants with obesity (20.8% vs. 27.4%, p = 0.048). In multiple logistic models, compared to participants with normal weight, those with obesity had a higher risk of CAC progression. Normal SBP_maintain was independently associated with the decreased risk of CAC progression in participants with obesity. MHO had a significant association with CAC progression. Normal SBP_maintain reduced the risk of CAC progression in asymptomatic adults with MHO.

Multireader image quality evaluation of dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion imaging with a novel four-dimensional noise reduction filter

BACKGROUND

Dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) is a novel technique able to depict cardiac ischemia.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the impact of a four-dimensional noise reduction filter (similarity filter [4D-SF]) on image quality in dynamic CTP imaging, allowing for substantial radiation dose reduction.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Dynamic CTP datasets of 30 patients (16 women) with suspected coronary artery disease, acquired with a 320-slice CT system, were retrieved, reconstructed with the deep learning-based algorithm of the system (DLR), and filtered with the 4D-SF. For each case, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in six regions of interest (33-38mm²) were calculated before and after filtering, in four-chamber and short-axis views, and t-tested. Furthermore, six radiologists of different expertise evaluated subjective image preference by answering five visual grading analysis-type questions (regarding acceptable level of noise, absence of artifacts, natural appearance, cardiac contour sharpness, diagnostic acceptability) using a 5-point scale. The results were analyzed using visual grade characteristics (VGC) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

Mean SNR in four-chamber view (unfiltered vs. filtered) were: septum=4.1 ± 2.1 versus 7.6 ± 5.6; lateral wall=4.5 ± 2.0 versus 8.0 ± 4.9; CNRseptum=16.6 ± 8.9 versus 31.7 ± 28; lateral wall=16.2 ± 8.9 versus 31.3 ± 28.9. Similar results were obtained in short-axis view. The perceived filtered image quality indicated decreased noise (VGC_AUC=0.96) and artifacts (0.65), improved natural appearance (0.59), cardiac contour sharpness (0.74), and diagnostic acceptability (0.78). The inter-observer variability was excellent (ICC=0.79). All results were statistically significant (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Similarity filtering after DLR improves image quality, possibly enabling dose reduction in dynamic CTP imaging in patient with suspected chronic coronary syndrome.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2023 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Epidemiology and Prevention Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update with review of published literature through the year before writing. The 2023 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort in 2022 by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. The American Heart Association strives to further understand and help heal health problems inflicted by structural racism, a public health crisis that can significantly damage physical and mental health and perpetuate disparities in access to health care, education, income, housing, and several other factors vital to healthy lives. This year's edition includes additional COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) publications, as well as data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population, with an enhanced focus on health equity across several key domains.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

Predictive values of coronary artery calcium and arterial stiffness for long-term cardiovascular events in patients with stable coronary artery disease

BACKGROUND

Subclinical atherosclerosis detected by increased coronary artery calcium (CAC) or arterial stiffness as reflected by cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) has been associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). However, comparative data from these two assessments in the same population are still limited.

METHODS

From 2005 to 2013, patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD), both asymptomatic and symptomatic who underwent both coronary computed tomography and CAVI were enrolled and followed for occurrence of MACEs (cardiovascular [CV] death, nonfatal myocardial infarction [MI], and nonfatal stroke) until December 2019. A cause-specific hazard model was applied to assess the associations of CAC score, and CAVI with long-term MACEs.

RESULTS

A total of 8687 patients participated. Of them, CAC scores were 0, 1-99, 100-399, and ≥400 in 49.7%, 31.9%, 12.3%, and 6.1%, respectively. Arterial stiffness (CAVI ≥ 9.0) was associated with the magnitude of CAC in 23.8%, 36.3%, 44.5%, and 56.2%, respectively. During an average of 9.9 ± 2.4 years follow-up, MACEs occurred in 8.0% (95% CI: 7.4%, 8.6%) of subjects. After adjusting for covariables, CAC scores of 100-399 and ≥400, and CAVIs of ≥9.0 were found to independently predict the occurrence of MACEs with the hazard ratios (95% CI) of 1.70 (1.13, 1.98), 1.87 (1.33, 2.63), and 1.27 (1.06, 1.52), respectively. Other risk predictors were hypertension, diabetes mellitus (DM), chronic kidney disease (CKD), aspirin, and statin therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A CAC score ≥100 or a CAVI ≥ 9.0 predicts the long-term occurrence of MACEs in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients with stable CAD. These two noninvasive tests can be used as screening tools to guide treatment for the prevention of future CV events.

Prognostic Value of Coronary Calcium Score in Asymptomatic Individuals: A Systematic Review

Despite updated guidelines and technological developments that allow for an accurate diagnosis, many asymptomatic individuals have a high risk of developing CAD or cardiac events. The CAC score can estimate a correct risk level for these subjects, which is clinically significant for adequate management of risk factors and obtaining personalized preventive therapy. This systematic review aims to assess the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic individuals. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a systematic literature search was performed to identify original articles since 2010 that evaluated the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic individuals. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the QUIPS tool. A total of 45 articles were selected. Many of these (25 studies) evaluated the prognostic value of CAC score in asymptomatic subjects. In comparison, others (20 studies) evaluated the association of CAC score with other clinical parameters and imaging modalities or the comparison with computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA). Our findings showed that the CAC score provides valuable prognostic information for predicting CAD risk in asymptomatic individuals.

A new and automated risk prediction of coronary artery disease using clinical endpoints and medical imaging-derived patient-specific insights: protocol for the retrospective GeoCAD cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the leading cause of death worldwide. More than a quarter of cardiovascular events are unexplained by current absolute cardiovascular disease risk calculators, and individuals without clinical risk factors have been shown to have worse outcomes. The 'anatomy of risk' hypothesis recognises that adverse anatomical features of coronary arteries enhance atherogenic haemodynamics, which in turn mediate the localisation and progression of plaques. We propose a new risk prediction method predicated on CT coronary angiography (CTCA) data and state-of-the-art machine learning methods based on a better understanding of anatomical risk for CAD. This may open new pathways in the early implementation of personalised preventive therapies in susceptible individuals as a potential key in addressing the growing burden of CAD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

GeoCAD is a retrospective cohort study in 1000 adult patients who have undergone CTCA for investigation of suspected CAD. It is a proof-of-concept study to test the hypothesis that advanced image-derived patient-specific data can accurately predict long-term cardiovascular events. The objectives are to (1) profile CTCA images with respect to variations in anatomical shape and associated haemodynamic risk expressing, at least in part, an individual's CAD risk, (2) develop a machine-learning algorithm for the rapid assessment of anatomical risk directly from unprocessed CTCA images and (3) to build a novel CAD risk model combining traditional risk factors with these novel anatomical biomarkers to provide a higher accuracy CAD risk prediction tool.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study protocol has been approved by the St Vincent's Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee, Sydney-2020/ETH02127 and the NSW Population and Health Service Research Ethics Committee-2021/ETH00990. The project outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed and biomedical journals, scientific conferences and as a higher degree research thesis.

Longitudinal quantitative assessment of coronary atherosclerosis related to normal systolic blood pressure maintenance in the absence of established cardiovascular disease

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis-related adverse events are commonly observed even in conditions with low cardiovascular (CV) risk. Longitudinal data regarding the association of normal systolic blood pressure maintenance (SBP_maintain ) with coronary plaque volume changes (PVC) has been limited in adults without traditional CV disease.

HYPOTHESIS

Normal SBP_maintain is important to attenuate coronary atherosclerosis progression in adults without baseline CV disease.

METHODS

We analyzed 95 adults (56.7 ± 8.5 years; 40.0% men) without baseline CV disease who underwent serial coronary computed tomographic angiography with mean 3.5 years of follow-up. All participants were divided into two groups of normal SBP_maintain (follow-up SBP < 120 mm Hg) and ≥elevated SBP_maintain (follow-up SBP ≥ 120 mm Hg). Annualized PVC was defined as PVC divided by the interscan period.

RESULTS

Compared to participants with normal SBP_maintain , those with ≥elevated SBP_maintain had higher annualized total PVC (mm³ /year) (0.0 [0.0-2.2] vs. 4.1 [0.0-13.0]; p < .001). Baseline total plaque volume (β = .10) and the levels of SBP_maintain (β = .23) and follow-up high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = -0.28) were associated with annualized total PVC (all p < .05). The optimal cutoff of SBP_maintain for predicting plaque progression was 118.5 mm Hg (sensitivity: 78.2%, specificity: 62.5%; area under curve: 0.700; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59-0.81; p < .05). SBP_maintain  ≥ 118.5 mm Hg (odds ratio [OR]: 4.03; 95% CI: 1.51-10.75) and baseline total plaque volume (OR: 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.06) independently influenced coronary plaque progression (all p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Normal SBP_maintain is substantial to attenuate coronary atherosclerosis progression in conditions without established CV disease.

Complex association of apolipoprotein E-containing HDL with coronary artery disease burden in cardiovascular disease

Background

Although traditional lipid parameters and coronary imaging techniques are valuable for cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction, better diagnostic tests are still needed.

Methods

In a prospective, observational study, 795 individuals had extensive cardiometabolic profiling, including emerging biomarkers, such as apolipoprotein E–containing HDL-cholesterol (ApoE-HDL-C). Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score was assessed in the entire cohort, and quantitative coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) characterization of total burden, noncalcified burden (NCB), and fibrous plaque burden (FB) was performed in a subcohort (n = 300) of patients stratified by concentration of ApoE-HDL-C. Total and HDL-containing apolipoprotein C-III (ApoC-III) were also measured.

Results

Most patients had a clinical diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) (n = 80.4% of 795), with mean age of 59 years, a majority being male (57%), and about half on statin treatment. The low ApoE-HDL-C group had more severe stenosis (11% vs. 2%, overall P < 0.001), with higher CAC as compared with high ApoE-HDL-C. On quantitative CCTA, the high ApoE-HDL-C group had lower NCB (β = –0.24, P = 0.0001), which tended to be significant in a fully adjusted model (β = –0.32, P = 0.001) and altered by ApoC-III in HDL levels. Low ApoE-HDL-C was significantly associated with LDL particle number (β = 0.31; P = 0.0001). Finally, when stratified by FB, ApoC-III in HDL showed a more robust predictive value of CAD over ApoE-HDL-C (AUC: 0.705, P = 0.0001) in a fully adjusted model.

Conclusion

ApoE-containing HDL-C showed a significant association with early coronary plaque characteristics and is affected by the presence of ApoC-III, indicating that low ApoE-HDL-C and high ApoC-III may be important markers of CVD severity.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01621594.

Funding

This work was supported by the NHLBI at the NIH Intramural Research Program.

Artificial Intelligence in Cardiovascular Atherosclerosis Imaging

At present, artificial intelligence (AI) has already been applied in cardiovascular imaging (e.g., image segmentation, automated measurements, and eventually, automated diagnosis) and it has been propelled to the forefront of cardiovascular medical imaging research. In this review, we presented the current status of artificial intelligence applied to image analysis of coronary atherosclerotic plaques, covering multiple areas from plaque component analysis (e.g., identification of plaque properties, identification of vulnerable plaque, detection of myocardial function, and risk prediction) to risk prediction. Additionally, we discuss the current evidence, strengths, limitations, and future directions for AI in cardiac imaging of atherosclerotic plaques, as well as lessons that can be learned from other areas. The continuous development of computer science and technology may further promote the development of this field.

Cardiac CT angiography in current practice: An American society for preventive cardiology clinical practice statement✰

In this clinical practice statement, we represent a summary of the current evidence and clinical applications of cardiac computed tomography (CT) in evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD), from an expert panel organized by the American Society for Preventive Cardiology (ASPC), and appraises the current use and indications of cardiac CT in clinical practice. Cardiac CT is emerging as a front line non-invasive diagnostic test for CAD, with evidence supporting the clinical utility of cardiac CT in diagnosis and prevention. CCTA offers several advantages beyond other testing modalities, due to its ability to identify and characterize coronary stenosis severity and pathophysiological changes in coronary atherosclerosis and stenosis, aiding in early diagnosis, prognosis and management of CAD. This document further explores the emerging applications of CCTA based on functional assessment using CT derived fractional flow reserve, peri‑coronary inflammation and artificial intelligence (AI) that can provide personalized risk assessment and guide targeted treatment. We sought to provide an expert consensus based on the latest evidence and best available clinical practice guidelines regarding the role of CCTA as an essential tool in cardiovascular prevention - applicable to risk assessment and early diagnosis and management, noting potential areas for future investigation.

Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics-2022 Update: A Report From the American Heart Association

BACKGROUND

The American Heart Association, in conjunction with the National Institutes of Health, annually reports the most up-to-date statistics related to heart disease, stroke, and cardiovascular risk factors, including core health behaviors (smoking, physical activity, diet, and weight) and health factors (cholesterol, blood pressure, and glucose control) that contribute to cardiovascular health. The Statistical Update presents the latest data on a range of major clinical heart and circulatory disease conditions (including stroke, congenital heart disease, rhythm disorders, subclinical atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, heart failure, valvular disease, venous disease, and peripheral artery disease) and the associated outcomes (including quality of care, procedures, and economic costs).

METHODS

The American Heart Association, through its Statistics Committee, continuously monitors and evaluates sources of data on heart disease and stroke in the United States to provide the most current information available in the annual Statistical Update. The 2022 Statistical Update is the product of a full year's worth of effort by dedicated volunteer clinicians and scientists, committed government professionals, and American Heart Association staff members. This year's edition includes data on the monitoring and benefits of cardiovascular health in the population and an enhanced focus on social determinants of health, adverse pregnancy outcomes, vascular contributions to brain health, and the global burden of cardiovascular disease and healthy life expectancy.

RESULTS

Each of the chapters in the Statistical Update focuses on a different topic related to heart disease and stroke statistics.

CONCLUSIONS

The Statistical Update represents a critical resource for the lay public, policymakers, media professionals, clinicians, health care administrators, researchers, health advocates, and others seeking the best available data on these factors and conditions.

The association between prolonged sedentary time and coronary artery calcification in young healthy men in Korea: a cohort study

Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) is a useful method for predicting coronary artery disease in asymptomatic adults. In this study, we investigated the association between prolonged sedentary time and CACS. A cohort study was conducted in 14949 men with negative CACS (CACS = 0) at baseline who were followed up at least once. Sedentary time was categorized into < 7, 7–8, and ≥ 9 h/day. CACS was calculated by cardiac tomography. During 60,112.1 person-years of follow-up, 569 participants developed positive CACS. The multivariable adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) for incident positive CACS comparing sedentary times of 7–8 h/day and ≥ 9 h/day to sedentary time of < 7 h/day were 1.25 (0.97–1.62) and 1.28 (1.03–1.59), respectively. This association was more strongly observed in the non-obese group (BMI < 25 kg/m²). In contrast, in the obese group (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²), there was no significant association between sedentary time and incidence of positive CACS. Prolonged sedentary time was significantly associated with incidence of positive CACS in the study. CACS is also an effective screening tool for predicting future cardiovascular events in asymptomatic patients. Therefore, CACS can be an effective screening method for predicting coronary artery diseases in people with prolonged sedentary time, especially in metabolically healthy people.

Usefulness of Cardiac Computed Tomography in Coronary Risk Prediction: A Five-Year Follow-Up of the SPICA Study (Secure Prevention with Imaging of the Coronary Arteries)

Accurate identification of individuals at high coronary risk would reduce acute coronary syndrome incidence and morbi-mortality. We analyzed the effect on coronary risk prediction of adding coronary artery calcification (CAC) and Segment Involvement Score (SIS) to cardiovascular risk factors. This was a prospective cohort study of asymptomatic patients recruited between 2013–2017. All participants underwent a coronary computed tomography angiography to determine CAC and SIS. The cohort was followed-up for a composite endpoint of myocardial infarction, coronary angiography and/or revascularization (median = five years). Discrimination and reclassification of the REGICOR function with CAC/SIS were examined with the Sommer’s D index and with the Net reclassification index (NRI). Nine of the 251 individuals included had an event. Of the included participants, 94 had a CAC = 0 and 85 a SIS = 0, none of them had an event. The addition of SIS or of SIS and CAC to the REGICOR risk function significantly increased the discrimination capacity from 0.74 to 0.89. Reclassification improved significantly when SIS or both scores were included. CAC and SIS were associated with five-year coronary event incidence, independently of cardiovascular risk factors. Discrimination and reclassification of the REGICOR risk function were significantly improved by both indexes, but SIS overrode the effect of CAC.

Use of coronary artery calcium and coronary tomography angiography in the evaluation of ischemic heart disease

Over the years, significant technological advances have been made in the field of cardiac CT imaging which has led to the widespread use of the modality in the evaluation of ischemic and structural heart disease. The advent of newer scanning techniques has led to a reduction in scanning time as well as a reduction in the radiation and contrast media dose required - making these scans both convenient and safer to perform. Research has shown that coronary CT angiography has a high negative predictive value in the evaluation of patients with coronary artery disease. There is more recent evidence that coronary CTA has a positive impact on clinical outcomes as well. In this review article, we discuss the clinical applications of coronary CTA in the evaluation of patients with stable ischemic heart disease, the most recent studies evaluating the efficacy and limitations of the modality, the role of coronary calcium in cardiovascular risk prediction in asymptomatic patients and the future applications of the modality.

Use of Coronary CT Angiography as a Screening Tool for Coronary Artery Disease in Asymptomatic Healthy Individuals or Patients

심장 돌연사 환자들은 종종 흉통 또는 운동성 호흡곤란 등의 전조증상이 나타나지 않기 때문에 잠재적인 무증상 관상동맥 질환을 조기에 발견하는 것이 매우 중요하다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술은 방사선 노출로 인한 위험성 때문에 무증상 환자에서 스크리닝 검사로 정당화되지 못했었지만 최근에 전산화단층촬영 기술의 비약적인 발전으로 방사선량을 1 mSv 미만으로 최소화함으로써 무증상 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사의 유용성에 대한 많은 연구가 진행되어 왔다. 그러나, 여전히 무증상 정상인 또는 환자의 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사에 대한 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술의 유용성에 대해서는 다양한 의견들이 있다. 이 종설에서는 무증상 정상인 또는 환자들에게 관상동맥 질환 선별 검사로 관상동맥 칼슘 점수와 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술 유용성에 대해서 다양한 문헌고찰을 통해서 알아보았다. 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술상 무증상 정상인의 2.6%에서 70% 이상의 유의한 관상동맥 협착이 발견되었고, 선별 목적의 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 건강한 사람의 미래의 심혈관 질환 발생을 예측할 수 있다. 그러나 현재 미국국립보건원에서 진행하고 있는 SCOT-HEART 2 연구가 끝나면 관상동맥 전산화단층촬영 혈관조영술이 무증상 성인의 심혈관 예방에 선별 검사로 적절한지 결정을 내릴 수 있을 것으로 생각된다.

Beyond Coronary CT Angiography: CT Fractional Flow Reserve and Perfusion

심장 전산화단층촬영은 비약적인 기술발전과 다양한 연구 결과를 바탕으로 심혈관위험 계층화와 치료 결정을 위한 관상동맥 질환의 진단과 예후 평가성능이 입증되었다. 전산화단층촬영 관상동맥조영술은 폐쇄성 관상동맥 질환에 대한 음성 예측도가 높아서 침습적 혈관조영술의 빈도를 줄일 수 있는 관상동맥 질환 관련 검사의 관문으로 부상했지만, 진단특이도가 상대적으로 낮다. 하지만 심장 전산화단층촬영을 이용한 분획혈류예비력과 심근관류를 분석하여 관상동맥 질환의 혈역학적 유의성을 확인하는 기능적 평가를 통해 그 한계를 극복할 수 있다. 최근에는 이를 보다 객관적이고 재현 가능하도록 인공지능을 접목하는 연구들이 활발히 진행되고 있다. 본 종설에서는 심장 전산화단층촬영의 기능적 영상화 기법들에 대해 알아보고자 한다.

Cardiovascular computed tomography and HIV: The evolving role of imaging biomarkers in enhanced risk prediction

The treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with antiretroviral (ARV) medications has revolutionised the care for these patients. The dramatic increase in life expectancy has brought new challenges in treating diseases of aging in this cohort. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is now a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with risk matched HIV-positive patients having double the risk of MI compared to HIV-negative patients. This enhanced risk is secondary to the interplay the virus (and accessory proteins), ARV medications and traditional risk factors. The culmination of these factors can lead to a hybrid metabolic syndrome characterised by heightened ectopic fat. Cardiovascular computed tomography (CT) is ideal for quantifying epicardial adipose tissue volumes, hepatosteatosis and cardiovascular disease burden. The CVD risk attributed to disease burden and plaque morphology is well established in general populations but is less clear in HIV populations. The purpose of this review article is to appraise the latest data on CVD development in HIV-positive patients and how the use of cardiovascular CT may be used to enhance risk prediction in this population. This may have important implications on individualised treatment decisions and risk reduction strategies which will improve the care of these patients.

Cardiac Care of Non-COVID-19 Patients During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: The Pivotal Role of CCTA

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential use of coronary CT angiography (CCTA) as the sole available non-invasive diagnostic technique for suspected coronary artery disease (CAD) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic causing limited access to the hospital facilities.

Methods and Results: A consecutive cohort of patients with suspected stable CAD and clinical indication to non-invasive test was enrolled in a hub hospital in Milan, Italy, from March 9 to April 30, 2020. Outcome measures were obtained as follows: cardiac death, ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), and unstable angina. All the changes in medical therapy following the result of CCTA were annotated. A total of 58 patients with a mean age of 64 ± 11 years (36 men and 22 women) were enrolled. CCTA showed no CAD in 14 patients (24.1%), non-obstructive CAD in 30 (51.7%) patients, and obstructive CAD in 14 (24.1%) patients. Invasive coronary angiography (ICA) was considered deferrable in 48 (82.8%) patients. No clinical events were recorded after a mean follow-up of 376.4 ± 32.1 days. Changes in the medical therapy were significantly more prevalent in patients with vs. those without CAD at CCTA.

Conclusion: The results of the study confirm the capability of CCTA to safely defer ICA in the majority of symptomatic patients and to correctly identify those with critical coronary stenoses necessitating coronary revascularization. This characteristic could be really helpful especially when the hospital resources are limited

Prognostic significance of plaque location in non-obstructive coronary artery disease: from the CONFIRM registry

AIM

Obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) in proximal coronary segments is associated with a poor prognosis. However, the relative importance of plaque location regarding the risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with non-obstructive CAD has not been well defined.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From the Coronary CT Angiography Evaluation for Clinical Outcomes: An International Multicenter (CONFIRM) registry, 4644 patients without obstructive CAD were included in this study. The degree of stenosis was classified as 0 (no) and 1-49% (non-obstructive). Proximal involvement was defined as any plaque present in the left main or the proximal segment of the left anterior descending artery, left circumflex artery, and right coronary artery. Extensive CAD was defined as segment involvement score of >4. During a median follow-up of 5.2 years (interquartile range 4.1-6.0), 340 (7.3%) MACE occurred. Within the non-obstructive CAD group (n = 2065), proximal involvement was observed in 1767 (85.6%) cases. When compared to non-obstructive CAD patients without proximal involvement, those with proximal involvement had an increased MACE risk (log-rank P = 0.033). Multivariate Cox analysis showed when compared to patients with no CAD, proximal non-obstructive CAD was associated with increased MACE risk [hazard ratio (HR) 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47-2.45, P < 0.001] after adjusting for extensive CAD and conventional cardiovascular risk factors; however, non-proximal non-obstructive CAD did not increase MACE risk (HR 1.26, 95% CI 0.79-2.01, P = 0.339).

CONCLUSIONS

Independent of plaque extent, proximal coronary involvement was associated with increased MACE risk in patients with non-obstructive CAD. The plaque location information by coronary computed tomography angiography may provide additional risk prediction over CAD extent in patients with non-obstructive CAD.