Objectives To investigate the association between oral calcium supplementation and coronary arterial calcification among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients without known cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods This study was nested in a prospective cohort study of RA patients without known CVD. Daily supplemental calcium dose was ascertained from prescription and over-the-counter medications at baseline and visit 2 (median 20 months post-baseline). Coronary artery calcium (CAC), a measure of coronary atherosclerosis, was assessed by cardiac multi-detector row computed tomography at baseline and visit 3 (median 39 months post-baseline). The association of calcium supplementation with CAC was explored. Results Among the 145 RA patients studied, 42 (28%) took ≥1000mg/day of supplemental calcium at baseline. Forty-four (30%) and 50 (34%) had a CAC score >100 units at baseline and follow-up, respectively. Baseline CAC scores >100 units were significantly less frequent in the higher (≥1000mg/day) supplemental calcium group than in the lower dosed group (<1000mg/day) [OR 0.28 (95% CI 0.11-0.74)]; this remained significant after adjusting for relevant confounders [OR 0.30 (95% CI 0.09-0.93)]. Similarly, at the third study visit, CAC scores >100 units were less frequent in the higher vs. the lower supplemental calcium group [OR 0.41 (95% CI 0.18-0.95)]. When adjusted for relevant confounders, statistical significance was lost [OR 0.39 (95% CI 0.14-1.12)]. No gender interaction and no change in CAC score over time were appreciated. Conclusion Higher levels of oral calcium supplementation were not associated with an increased risk of coronary atherosclerosis as measured by CAC score in this RA cohort.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.