Previous studies had found that calcium scores were effective in
predicting heart disease among adults with known heart disease risk factors, such as hypertension, diabetes,
dyslipidemia, current smoking or a family history of heart disease.
First, depression has been linked to multiple biological abnormalities, including vascular pathologic changes, autonomic function changes, hypercoagulability, and hypothalamic - pituitary - adrenal axis hyperactivity.10 Evidence shows that depression in adulthood is linked to elevated risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia in later life.11 Second, inflammation contributes to atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, and neurodegeneration.12 - 14 Evidence shows that elevation in inflammation biomarkers, such as C - reactive protein (CRP), in adulthood
predicts the development of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and dementia in later life.15 - 17 Third, metabolic abnormalities such as obesity,
dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, hypertension, and cardiorespiratory fitness contribute to vascular lesions and hormonal imbalance.