Abstract P669: Inflammatory Markers and Calcification of Coronary Arteries, Aorta and Cardiac Valves in Older Adults: Findings From the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Background: Inflammation plays an important role in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. However, inflammatory biomarkers have been found to have a weak association with coronary artery calcium (CAC), a representative measure of subclinical atherosclerosis. Moreover, the existing evidence does not sufficiently explore extra coronary calcium (ECC) in this context. Aim: To characterize the association of two inflammatory markers, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and galectin-3, with CAC and ECC in a community-based cohort. Methods: Cardiac CT was performed among 1,934 ARIC participants (age 53-74 years) without coronary heart disease at visit 7 (2018-19). We examined the associations of hs-CRP and galectin-3 measured in middle age at visit 4 (1996-98) by quartile with the presence of CAC and ECC (Agatston score >0 vs. 0) using multivariable logistic regression. Results: Higher hs-CRP was associated with calcifications in the ascending aorta, aortic valve ring, mitral valve and right coronary artery in the unadjusted model (Table). These associations were mostly attenuated after adjusting for potential confounders, but the associations with ascending aorta and right coronary artery calcifications remained significant (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.45 [95% CI = 1.02-2.07]) and (1.55 [1.12-2.16]) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles, respectively). Galectin-3 was also independently associated with right coronary artery calcification after adjusting for potential confounders (aOR 1.48 [1.02 - 2.01]) for the highest vs. lowest quartiles). These associations were generally consistent in demographic subgroups. Conclusions: Both hs-CRP and galectin-3 were associated with calcification of some but not all vascular beds tested, suggesting potentially unique atherosclerotic pathophysiology across different vascular beds. Robust associations of inflammatory markers with right coronary artery calcification deserve further investigation.