Introduction: Ethnic differences in prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) and calcification (CAD) are widely recognized.

Aim: To investigate CAC and CAD differences as shown by CT coronary angiography (CTCA), between symptomatic South Asians (SA) and Caucasians (CA).

Methods: We identified 101 symptomatic angina patients of S.Asian origin who had underwent CTCA (1/12/2009 to 30/04/2011) with a 640 slice, 320-row CT scanner, and compared them with 101 Caucasians matched for age, gender and coronary risk factors.

Results: CAC prevalence was similar in the two groups (56.4% SA, 47.5% CA; p=0.25) but mean CAC score (CACS) (p<0.0001) and mean number of affected segments (p=0.0001) were significantly higher in S.Asians, in whom also 3 vessel disease (VSD) (25.7% SA, 5.9% CA; p=0.0004) and obstructive CAD (stenosis >50% in any branch) were more common (19.8% SA, 5.76% CA; p=0.0041). In patients ≤50 years old (n=37), no significant difference was found between the two groups in mean CAC score (p=0.28), affected segments number (p=0.12) or CAD severity (p=0.684) and extent (p=0.514). In individuals >50 years old, the CAC severity was higher in S.Asians (Table 1) as was the number of affected segments (p=0.001).

Conclusions: Symptomatic S.Asians have more diffused coronary artery calcification, age plays an important role in this difference.