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Prevalence and Severity of Coronary Artery Calcium Scores Among Asymptomatic Adults Undergoing Voluntary Health Screening: A Retrospective Study in Pondicherry


Author: Dr. N. Murugesan, Dr. Venkatram Murugesan, Dr. S. C. Rajan, Sumathy Masanam Kasi*
Research Coordinator, East coast hospitals, Puducherry.
Published Date: 2026-05-27
Keywords: Cardiovascular Diseases, Coronary Artery Calcium Scoring, Subclinical Atherosclerosis, Young Adults, Preventive Cardiology, Health Screenings.
Abstract:

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of mortality in India, with 25% of all heart attacks occurring in individuals under 40. Traditional risk assessments frequently fail to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in asymptomatic young populations. The integration of non-invasive Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scoring into routine health check-ups offers a highly sensitive method for objective risk stratification. Objectives: To evaluate the clinical utility of integrating non-invasive CAC scoring into routine annual wellness screenings for early risk detection. Methods: This retrospective clinical audit analyzed records of 150 participants undergoing comprehensive voluntary health screenings at a tertiary institution in Puducherry. Demographic data and categorical CAC severity levels were evaluated using SPSS v.26. Spearman’s rho, Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-square tests analyzed relationships between age, gender, and plaque burden (p < 0.05). Results: The cohort showed a male predominance (62.7%). Zero calcification was present in 31.3% (n=47) of participants, whereas 56.7% (n=85) presented with moderate-to-severe scores. A total absence of participants in the minimal (1–10) range indicated established rather than nascent plaque burden at presentation. Extensive calcification (CAC > 1000) was noted in 17.3% (n=26). Chronological age positively correlated with CAC scores (rs = 0.42, p < 0.001), and males displayed significantly higher median scores than females (p = 0.038). Furthermore, the 60+ age group  strongly predicted extensive calcification (χ2= 12.4, p < 0.001; OR: 3.2). Conclusion: Routine CAC scoring provides critical diagnostic clarity for premature CVD risk assessment. The complete absence of nascent plaque alongside a high prevalence of advanced calcification reveals that clinical presentation for routine screening often occurs after significant disease progression, reinforcing the need for earlier clinical screening protocols.