Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMH) have been associated with subclinical atherosclerosis including coronary artery calcification (CAC). However, previous studies on this association are limited by only cross-sectional analysis. We aimed to explore the relationship between WMH and CAC in elderly individuals both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. The study population consisted of elderly stroke- and dementia-free participants from the community-based Austrian Stroke Prevention Family Study (ASPFS). WMH volume and CAC levels (via Agatston score) were analyzed at baseline and after a 6-year follow-up period. Of 324 study participants (median age: 68 years), 115 underwent follow-up. Baseline WMH volume (median: 4.1 cm3) positively correlated with baseline CAC levels in multivariable analysis correcting for common vascular risk factors (p = 0.010). While baseline CAC levels were not predictive for WMH progression (p = 0.447), baseline WMH volume was associated CAC progression (median Agatston score progression: 27) in multivariable analysis (ß = 66.3 ± 22.3 [per cm3], p = 0.004). Ten of 11 participants (91%) with severe WMH (Fazekas Scale: 3) at baseline showed significant CAC progression > 100 during follow-up. In this community-based cohort of elderly individuals, WMH were associated with CAC and predictive of its progression over a 6-year follow-up. Screening for coronary artery disease might be considered in people with more severe WMH.
Keywords: Aging; Cerebral small vessel disease; Coronary artery calcification; White matter hyperintensities.
© 2024. The Author(s).