查看文章

This study characterized and quantified subclinical atherosclerosis by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) in first-degree relatives of patients with early onset coronary artery disease (CAD).

A strong family history of CAD is an important risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events. Whether predisposed individuals suffer an increased burden of coronary atherosclerosis and adverse plaque features is not known.

We included 88 healthy middle-aged first-degree relatives from 59 families with early onset CAD. Participants were matched by age and sex with 88 control patients with atypical angina or nonanginal chest pain and no family history of CAD, referred for coronary CTA. A blinded analysis of plaque burden and composition was performed using semiautomated plaque quantification software. The relative differences between the median volumes or the odds ratios …