Correlates of coronary artery calcification prevalence and severity in patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Abstract Background Determinants of coronary artery calcification (CAC) prevalence and severity in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia remain understudied. The objective of this cross-sectional study was to investigate correlates of CAC in patients with HeFH. Methods CAC score was calculated by non-contrast computed tomography scan in women (n=68) and men (n=78) with genetically defined HeFH. We classified CAC prevalence and severity using 3 categories: CAC score = 0 Agatston Unit (AU), CAC score = 1-100 AU, and CAC score >100 AU. Information on potential correlates of CAC including familial and personal health history, cardiovascular risk factors, lipid-lowering medication, and lifestyle habits was collected. Results A total of 95 patients had prevalent CAC. Independent correlates of CAC prevalence and severity included age (odds ratio (OR) per 10 years: 5.06, 95% CI: 3.19, 7.93, P Conclusion In individuals with HeFH, age, family history of premature cardiovascular disease, sex, statin use, diet quality, smoking status, the LDLR genotype, and lipoprotein(a) concentrations were independently associated with CAC prevalence and severity.