Association between Coronary Artery Calcification and Carotid Plaque Using Health Check-Up Data

Abstract

Background Coronary artery calcification and carotid plaque are recognized indicators of atherosclerosis, both linked to elevated cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risks. This study investigates the association between coronary artery calcification and carotid plaque and examines key risk factors associated with carotid plaque presence. Methods We enrolled 2,620 participants who underwent coronary artery calcium scoring via computed tomography and carotid ultrasound for health check-up from January 2017 to December 2022. Patient data, including age, sex, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, smoking history, body mass index, glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and lipoprotein(a), were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to explore the relationship between coronary artery calcification and carotid plaque, adjusting for major cerebrovascular risk factors. Results Coronary artery calcification was present in 44.7% of participants, and carotid plaque was detected in 43.5%. Univariable analysis showed a significant association between coronary artery calcification and carotid plaque (unadjusted odds ratio: 4.393, p<0.001). In the multivariable model, which included age, sex, hypertension, dyslipidemia, glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and coronary artery calcification presence, coronary artery calcification remained an independent predictor of carotid plaque (adjusted odds ratio: 2.327, p<0.001). The model’s area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.768. Conclusion Our study demonstrates that coronary artery calcification is independently and significantly associated with carotid plaque in a health check-up population. Carotid imaging, such as carotid ultrasound, may be beneficial for early detection and management of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery calcification.