The Paradox of Physical Activity and Coronary Artery Calcification: Implications for Cardiovascular Risk

The introduction of CT scans and the subsequent Agatston score in the 1990s drastically improved our ability to detect coronary artery calcification (CAC). This led to its incorporation into cardiovascular risk assessment guidelines set forth by organizations such as the American Heart Association (...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published inJournal of clinical medicine Vol. 13; no. 21; p. 6523
Main Authors Sung, Da-Eun, Sung, Ki-Chul
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Basel MDPI AG 30.10.2024
Subjects
Atherosclerosis
Blood pressure
Calcification
Cardiology
Clinical practice guidelines
Coronary vessels
Diabetes
Exercise
Physical fitness
Risk assessment
Risk factors
Statins
Tomography
Veins & arteries
Online AccessGet full text

Cover

More Information
Summary:The introduction of CT scans and the subsequent Agatston score in the 1990s drastically improved our ability to detect coronary artery calcification (CAC). This led to its incorporation into cardiovascular risk assessment guidelines set forth by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American College of Cardiology (ACC). Over time, these guidelines have evolved significantly, reflecting an increasing understanding of CAC. Physical activity has become a key factor in the management of cardiovascular disease. However, the relationship between physical activity and CAC remains complex. Although physical activity is generally beneficial for cardiovascular health, paradoxically, high levels of physical activity have been associated with elevated CAC scores. However, these higher CAC levels may indicate the presence of more stable, calcified plaques that provide protection against plaque rupture. These contradictory findings call for balanced interpretations that acknowledge the cardiovascular benefits of physical activity. This review examines the historical development of clinical guidelines for CAC, the paradoxical relationship between physical activity and CAC, and potential underlying mechanisms. It emphasizes the need for future research to utilize objective measures and consistent methodologies to better understand the relationship between physical activity and CAC.
ISSN:2077-0383
2077-0383
DOI:10.3390/jcm13216523