Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Level Is Associated with Coronary Artery Calcium Score in

Background: Carcinoembryonic antigens (CEA) are known cancer markers. A recent study found close association of CEA with inflammation, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, and atherosclerosis. However, there are no results regarding the association between CEA and coronary artery calcium scoring, which is widely used as a tool for diagnosis of ischemic heart disease. Therefore, we assessed the association of CEA level with coronary artery calcium scoring in healthy subjects. Methods: Serum CEA level, coronary artery calcium scoring, and conventional risk factors were measured in 1,209 subjects (854 men and 355 women) who underwent routine health checkups. Correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Results: In men, a relationship was found between coronary artery calcium scoring and CEA, age, and log high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. However, only age showed an association with coronary artery calcium scoring in women. Furthermore, after adjusting the confounding factors, the results were not changed. Conclusion: CEA level is associated with coronary artery calcium scoring in healthy Korean men, but not women.