NHLBI IN THE PRESS

Calcium in heart arteries linked to higher risk of fatal heart disease

Even very small amounts of calcium in the arteries of the heart, known as coronary artery calcium (CAC), in early adulthood indicate a high risk of fatal heart disease before age 60, according to a study partly funded by NHLBI. After adjusting for demographics, risk factors and treatments, those with any CAC experienced a fivefold increase in coronary heart disease and three fold in cardiovascular disease. The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, call for more aggressive preventative measures for individuals with elevated artery calcium scores. 

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