Effects of serum levels of novel atherosclerotic risk factors on aortic valve calcification.
OBJECTIVE
Aortic valve calcification (AVC) is a common condition that is found predominantly in the elderly. Clinical and histopathologic data prove that AVC is an active, progressive disease involving an atherosclerotic process. The possible role of novel coronary risk factors in the development of AVC were evaluated.


METHODS
A total of 285 consecutive patients (age >60 years) who had been admitted to the authors' cardiology outpatient clinic was enrolled. Each patient underwent two-dimensional Doppler echocardiography. Serum levels of lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a)), homocysteine (Hcy), uric acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were monitored and compared between patients with AVC and subjects with otherwise normal aortic valve morphology.


RESULTS
AVC was detected in 112 patients. Compared to controls, patients with AVC were significantly older (73.0 +/- 7.4 versus 68.5 +/- 6.7 years; p <0.0001) and, in addition to higher dyslipidemia, had significantly higher serum levels of Lp(a) (27.4 (range: 13.0-47.5) versus 19.9 (range: 10.7-36.1) mg/dl; p = 0.033) and CRP (6.7 (4.5-10.2) versus 5.6 (3.9-8.0) mg/l; p = 0.008). Serum Hcy and uric acid levels were similar between the groups. Multivariate analysis identified age and serum levels of Lp(a) or CRP as independent determinants of AVC.


CONCLUSIONS
AVC is common in elderly patients admitted to cardiology clinics. In addition to advanced age, high serum levels of Lp(a) and CRP are independent predictors of the condition.
Bozbas
Huseyin
H
Department of Cardiology, Baskent University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. hbozbas@gmail.com
Yildirir
Aylin
A
Atar
Ilyas
I
Pirat
Bahar
B
Eroglu
Serpil
S
Aydinalp
Alp
A
Ozin
Bulent
B
Muderrisoglu
Haldun
H
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001021:Aortic Valve; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000209:etiology; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism*; D002114:Calcinosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D017270:Lipoprotein(a) / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014527:Uric Acid / Q000097:blood
D017270:Lipoprotein(a); D006710:Homocysteine; D014527:Uric Acid; D002097:C-Reactive Protein