Serum Uric Acid Is Independently Associated with Coronary Calcification in an Asymptomatic Population.

ABSTRACT

Detecting early-stage atherosclerosis is an important step towards cardiovascular disease prevention. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score is a sensitive and non-invasive tool for detecting coronary atherosclerosis. Higher serum uric acid (SUA) levels are known to be associated with cardiovascular diseases. However, there is inconsistency regarding the independence of the association. The aim of our study was to assess the association of CAC and SUA in an asymptomatic population. CAC scans of 281 participants were analyzed in a voluntary screening program. A health questionnaire, physical examination, and laboratory tests were also performed. Participants with a history of cardiovascular disease were excluded from the analysis. 36.3% (n = 102) of the participants had no detectable CAC and 13.9% (n = 39) had a CAC score of > 300. SUA showed positive correlation with CAC score (0.175, p < 0.01). SUA was independently associated with Ca score > 300 (OR 5.17, p = 0.01) after the effects of conventional risk factors were eliminated.