Impact of preserved ratio impaired spirometry on coronary artery calcium score progression: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract

Background Preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and mortality. However, a causal relationship between PRISm and CVD remains unclear. We investigated the progression of coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores based on the presence of PRISm and reduced forced vital capacity (FVC). Methods This retrospective cohort study included 11 420 participants aged ≥40 years with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/FVC ≥0.7 who underwent at least two health screening examinations with coronary computed tomography scan between 2003 and 2020, and were without a history of CVD or interstitial lung disease. Participants with PRISm, defined as FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 and FEV1 <80% predicted, were further divided by low FVC (FVC <80% predicted). We estimated the 5-year progression rates of CAC by comparing participants with and without PRISm at baseline using mixed linear models. Results Of the 11 420 participants, 8536 (75%), 811 (7%) and 2073 (18%) had normal spirometry, PRISm with normal FVC and PRISm with low FVC, respectively. During the mean (range) follow-up of 6.0 (0.5–17.2) years, the multivariable adjusted ratio of 5-year CAC progression rates comparing participants with PRISm to those with normal spirometry was 1.08 (95% CI 1.04–1.13). This rate was higher in participants with PRISm with low FVC (1.21 (95% CI 1.12–1.30)) than in those with normal FVC. Conclusion In this longitudinal cohort study of subjects without a history of CVD, PRISm was significantly associated with CAC progression, which was more evident in the group with PRISm and low FVC.