Significance of aortic arch calcification as a cardiovascular risk marker: Analysis of a cohort of hospitalized patients in internal medicine.

Introduction: Aortic arch calcification (AAC) is an underestimated marker of cardiovascular risk, associated with a higher incidence of major cardiovascular events and mortality.

Materials And Methods: This retrospective, descriptive study included 292 patients admitted in May 2021 to the Internal Medicine Department of Marqués de Valdecilla University Hospital. The presence of AAC was assessed via chest X-rays, alongside clinical data, risk factors, and previous and 12-month cardiovascular events.

Results: AAC was present in 51% of patients. Age over 65, dyslipidemia, and smoking were independent predictors (p < 0.05). AAC was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of cardiovascular events: stroke (23.3% vs. 13.3%; OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.07-3.6), acute coronary syndrome (23.3% vs. 8.5%; OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.6-6.4), and peripheral arterial disease (20.9% vs. 7.3%; OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.6-6.9). At 12-month follow-up, patients with AAC had a higher incidence of new cardiovascular events (22.5% vs. 10.9%; OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.2-4.9; p = 0.007). Although overall survival was lower in this group, only age and chronic kidney disease were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions: AAC is a common finding among hospitalized patients and is associated with increased cardiovascular risk. Its detection on chest X-rays may serve as an accessible tool for risk stratification in high-risk populations.