The association of Rose questionnaire angina pectoris and coronary calcification in a general population: The Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study

Purpose The Rose questionnaire is a standardized method of measuring angina pectoris in general populations. Electron-beam computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive technique to quantify the amount of coronary calcification. In a population-based study, we investigated the association between Rose questionnaire angina pectoris and coronary calcification. Methods The Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study is embedded in the Rotterdam Study, a population-based study in subjects aged ≥55 years. Participants of the Rotterdam Coronary Calcification Study underwent an electron-beam CT scan between 1997 and 2000. Coronary calcification was quantified in a calcium score according to Agatston's method. Rose questionnaire angina pectoris was assessed during a home interview. The first 2013 participants were included in the present analyses. Results In men, the presence of Rose questionnaire angina pectoris was associated with a 12.9-fold (95% confidence interval: 3.8-43.7) increased risk of a calcium score >1000 (reference: calcium score 0-100). The corresponding relative risk in women was 4.8 (2.0-11.3). Similar results were found when we computed sex-specific quartiles of the calcium score. Conclusions Rose questionnaire angina pectoris is strongly associated with the amount of coronary calcification. Rose questionnaire angina pectoris corresponds better with the amount of coronary calcification in men than in women.

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