Uterine arcuate artery calcification as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk—a preliminary study

Abstract

The presence of uterine myometrial calcification (UMC) has been identified as an independent predictive factor for atherosclerotic risk. Accordingly, considering UMC as an atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factor may provide an opportunity to identify cardiovascular disease in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.

A new tool in the prediction of cardiovascular disease? Perhaps

“…This month's issue of Menopause features a provocative article by Akilli and colleagues 9 from Turkey. It is a relatively small cross-sectional study (n = 81) of postmenopausal women who were completely asymptomatic from a cardiovascular perspective.…”

“…In this study by Akilli et al, 9 CIMT of greater than or equal to 0.075 cm was used as the cutoff for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Risk factor evaluation alone was able to predict 88.6% of the positive CIMT results, but using this cutoff, 11.4% of asymptomatic women with subclinical atherosclerosis were missed.…”

“…8 Clearly, further research is necessary to improve both diagnostic and therapeutic options if we are ever to fully entertain the concept of risk stratification and primary prevention of acute MI in women. This month's issue of Menopause features a provocative article by Akilli and colleagues 9 from Turkey. It is a relatively small cross-sectional study (n = 81) of postmenopausal women who were completely asymptomatic from a cardiovascular perspective.…”

“…Previously published data have shown that in asymptomatic women, once diagnosed with increased risk of ischemic heart disease, prescribing rates for antiplatelet agents, statins, and β-blockers increased. 10 In this study by Akilli et al, 9 CIMT of greater than or equal to 0.075 cm was used as the cutoff for the diagnosis of atherosclerosis. Risk factor evaluation alone was able to predict 88.6% of the positive CIMT results, but using this cutoff, 11.4% of asymptomatic women with subclinical atherosclerosis were missed.…”