Uterine myometrial calcification indicates atherosclerosis risk: Study

Written By : Jacinthlyn Sylvia |Medically Reviewed By : Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli Published On 2022-07-28T10:00:26+05:30 | Updated On 28 July 2022 2:47 PM IST

In a new study conducted by Rabia Akilli and colleagues, it has been determined that uterine myometrial calcification (UMC) is a standalone predictor of atherosclerosis risk. The findings of this study were published in Menopause.

The leading cause of death in postmenopausal women is atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Since this is a condition that worsens with time, it's critical to find signs early on in the subclinical stage. Arterial calcifications can be utilized as a marker to predict future atherosclerotic cardiovascular events since they are a sign of overall atherosclerotic disease.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether there is a correlation between uterine myometrial calcification and carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) and to determine whether UMC can be used as a marker to predict future atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women who are asymptomatic.

In this cross-sectional investigation, UMC, cardiovascular risk factors, and CIMT were evaluated in 81 postmenopausal women without gynecological symptoms. In accordance with their cardiovascular risk factors, the participants were split into two risk groups. A novel grading system based on transvaginal ultrasonography was used to assess the level of UMC. UMC scores, clinical, laboratory, demographic, and CIMT measurement data were analyzed.

The key findings of this study were as follow:

1. Scores from the CIMT and UMC were shown to be somewhat positively correlated (r = 0.62).

2. UMC scores and atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk were significantly correlated; atherosclerosis risk was 15.4 times greater in people with high UMC scores (≥2).

3. The risk of coronary atherosclerosis rose 27.8 times for individuals with a CIMT of 0.075 or higher and 9.2 fold for those with a UMC score of 2 or higher, according to the multivariable logistic regression model adjusted for age and length of menopause.

In conclusion, In light of this study, examining UMC as an atherosclerotic cardiovascular risk factor may provide a chance to detect cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women who are asymptomatic. Women's cardiovascular risk should be evaluated when UMC is found.

Reference:

Akilli, R., Kucukgoz Gulec, U., Deniz, A., Aikimbaev, K., Akcabay, C., & Seydaoglu, G. (2022). Uterine arcuate artery calcification as a potential marker of cardiovascular risk—a preliminary study. In Menopause: Vol. Publish Ahead of Print. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0000000000001997

atherosclerosisMenopause journaluterine myometrial calcification

Source : Menopause

Jacinthlyn Sylvia

Neuroscience Masters graduate

Jacinthlyn Sylvia, a Neuroscience Master's graduate from Chennai has worked extensively in deciphering the neurobiology of cognition and motor control in aging. She also has spread-out exposure to Neurosurgery from her Bachelor’s. She is currently involved in active Neuro-Oncology research. She is an upcoming neuroscientist with a fiery passion for writing. Her news cover at Medical Dialogues feature recent discoveries and updates from the healthcare and biomedical research fields. She can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in

Dr. Kamal Kant Kohli

Dr Kamal Kant Kohli-MBBS, DTCD- a chest specialist with more than 30 years of practice and a flair for writing clinical articles, Dr Kamal Kant Kohli joined Medical Dialogues as a Chief Editor of Medical News. Besides writing articles, as an editor, he proofreads and verifies all the medical content published on Medical Dialogues including those coming from journals, studies,medical conferences,guidelines etc. Email: drkohli@medicaldialogues.in. Contact no. 011-43720751