The Relationship Between the Severity of Coronary Artery Calcification and Aortic Artery Calcification in Iran

Background: The calcification of various coronary arteries is associated with the presence of calcification in other parts of the cardiovascular system, such as heart valves and different sections of the aorta. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the severity of coronary artery calcification and aortic artery calcification. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on patients suspected of having coronary artery disease who were candidates for chest computed tomography scanning. The calcium score in the coronary arteries, the aortic artery, and the mitral and aortic valves was assessed using the Agatston method. Results: In examining the relationship between the frequency of aortic calcification and the severity of coronary artery calcification, none of the patients without calcification or with minimal coronary calcification had calcification in any segment of the aortic artery. Among patients with mild, moderate, severe, and very severe coronary calcification, the frequency of aortic arch calcification was 5%, 12%, 8%, and 25%, respectively, and the frequency of ascending aorta calcification was 0%, 5%, 5%, and 10%, respectively. The frequency of descending aorta calcification was 10%, 10%, 15%, and 25%, respectively. Overall, a significant correlation was observed between the frequency of coronary artery and aortic artery calcification (P = 0.008). Additionally, the severity of coronary artery calcification was significantly correlated with the mean score of aortic artery calcification (P = 0.001). Conclusions: The presence of calcification in the coronary arteries is accompanied by the progression of calcification in various parts of the aorta.