Association of Serum Calcium with Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis

Li et al., 2025 | Cerebrovasc Dis | Meta Analysis

Citation

Li Huan, Xu Ruicai, ... Liu Xuena. Association of Serum Calcium with Carotid Atherosclerosis: A Meta-Analysis. Cerebrovasc Dis. 2025;54(4):617-626. doi:10.1159/000541132

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Current studies on the association between serum calcium levels and carotid atherosclerosis have yielded inconsistent results. This study aimed to elucidate this relationship through a comprehensive meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Weipu (VIP), and Wanfang databases was conducted, supplemented by manual retrieval, from their inception to October 2023. Two independent researchers conducted literature searches, data extraction, and quality assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.3 software on studies that met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: The analysis included 9 cross-sectional studies, encompassing a total sample size of 9,720 participants. The meta-analysis revealed a significant statistical difference in serum calcium levels between the carotid atherosclerosis group and the control group (p = 0.03). The standardized mean difference between the two groups was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.41) using the control group as a reference. CONCLUSIONS: Our systematic analysis indicates a significant positive correlation between serum calcium levels and carotid atherosclerosis.

Key Findings

The analysis included 9 cross-sectional studies, encompassing a total sample size of 9,720 participants. The meta-analysis revealed a significant statistical difference in serum calcium levels between the carotid atherosclerosis group and the control group (p = 0.03). The standardized mean difference between the two groups was 0.21 (95% CI: 0.02, 0.41) using the control group as a reference.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	9720
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Biomarkers
Calcium
Carotid Artery Diseases
Prognosis
Risk Assessment
Risk Factors
Vascular Calcification

Evidence Classification

Level: Meta Analysis
Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
Vertical: calcium

Provenance

PMID: 39217982
DOI: 10.1159/000541132
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09