Locking and loading the bullet against micro-calcification

Aims

Despite recent medical advances, cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. As (micro)-calcification is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, this review will elaborately discuss advantages of sodium fluoride positron emission tomography (PET) as a reliable cardiovascular imaging technique for identifying the early onset of vascular calcification (i.e. locking onto the target). We assess state-of-the-art meta-analysis and clinical studies of possible treatment options and evaluate the concept of vitamin K supplementation to preserve vascular health (i.e. loading the bullet).

Methods and results

After a structured PubMed search, we identified F-18-sodium fluoride (F-18-NaF) PET as the most suitable technique for detecting micro-calcification. Presenting the pros and cons of available treatments, vitamin K supplementation should be considered as a possible safe and cost-effective option to inhibit vascular (micro)-calcification.

Conclusion

This review demonstrates need for more extensive research in the concept of vitamin K supplementation (i.e. loading the bullet) and recommends monitoring the effects on vascular calcification using F-18-NaF PET (i.e. locking onto the target).