Tangerang. Cardiovascular disease (heart and blood vessel disease) remains a major global health challenge. Data from the World Health Organization shows that in 2022, the disease accounted for around 19.8 million deaths, or 32% of total global fatalities. In Indonesia, prevalence has also risen significantly, reaching 1.08%, or approximately 2.29 million people in 2023, more than doubling compared to 2013.

This growing burden underscores the importance of expert-driven prevention strategies, a key focus of the inaugural scientific oration delivered by Antonia Anna Lukito, Head of the Cardiology and Vascular Medicine Specialist Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Pelita Harapan University (UPH). She was officially inaugurated as Professor in Cardiovascular Medicine on March 28, 2026, at the UPH Faculty of Medicine Auditorium, following a decree from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology dated Jan. 1, 2026.

Coronary Calcification in Early Detection and Prevention
In her oration titled “Coronary Calcification: A Window to Understanding Arterial Aging Toward Risk-Based Cardiovascular Prevention,” Antonia highlighted the critical role of coronary calcification.

Coronary calcification refers to the buildup of calcium in the walls of coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. It typically occurs alongside aging and exposure to risk factors such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Rather than merely a radiological finding, it reflects long-term biological processes within arterial walls driven by cardiovascular risk factors.

Antonia explained how coronary calcification can serve as a “window” for clinicians to observe arterial aging, which often progresses silently over years. With advancements in cardiovascular imaging, calcification can now be detected earlier, enabling more accurate risk stratification and grouping patients based on their likelihood of developing heart disease.

“Coronary calcification provides clear anatomical evidence of atherosclerosis, the narrowing and hardening of arteries due to plaque buildup. The higher the level of calcification, the greater the likelihood of extensive and clinically significant atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, coronary calcification serves as an objective parameter representing various biological processes within blood vessels,” Antonia said.

Conversely, the absence of calcification can offer clinical reassurance, allowing physicians to prioritize lifestyle modification and periodic monitoring. As such, coronary calcification is not a substitute for clinical assessment, but rather a complementary tool in evidence-based decision-making.

This approach enables more personalized, risk-based prevention strategies, allowing both lifestyle interventions and medical therapies to be more precisely targeted.

“The coronary calcification approach introduces a new dimension in cardiovascular disease prevention, particularly for patients with intermediate or uncertain risk. We no longer rely solely on conventional risk factors, but also on direct evidence of atherosclerosis to determine more appropriate therapy. Moreover, recent insights show that not only the amount of calcium matters, but also its characteristics, such as volume and density, which reflect plaque stability. This opens the door to more precise, personalized, and dynamic prevention strategies,” she added.

Technology and Its Relevance for Indonesia
Antonia also highlighted advancements in imaging technology and artificial intelligence, which have further enhanced the clinical use of coronary calcification. Technology-based analysis allows for more consistent, efficient, and integrated measurements, and even enables the use of imaging data originally not intended for cardiac evaluation.

This supports the concept of opportunistic screening, which is particularly relevant in healthcare systems with limited resources but a high burden of cardiovascular disease.

In Indonesia and across Asia, cardiovascular challenges are increasingly complex, shaped by factors such as earlier onset of disease, high smoking prevalence, and shifting lifestyles. In this context, coronary calcification holds strong potential as a strategic tool to identify high-risk individuals early, although its implementation must be adapted to local conditions, including infrastructure, cost, and health literacy.

“The use of technology, including artificial intelligence, opens new opportunities to expand and improve the efficiency of coronary calcification as a screening tool. However, its implementation must consider local contexts to deliver optimal benefits in strengthening cardiovascular disease prevention, both at the individual and population levels,” Antonia said.

Recognition and Future Outlook
UPH Rector Jonathan L. Parapak, who officiated the inauguration, said, “Today is a remarkable moment, especially for Prof. Antonia, who has been inaugurated as the 45th Professor at UPH. Congratulations on this achievement. We hope Prof. Antonia will continue to contribute to the advancement of science and medical education.”

James T. Riady, Founder of the Pelita Harapan Education Foundation (YPPH), also shared a personal note, expressing deep appreciation for Antonia’s dedication in caring for his family.

“For our family, Prof. Antonia is not only an academic, but also a physician who has treated us with great dedication. She is a rare figure, intelligent, sharp, and deeply committed to learning, capable of being both an excellent doctor and teacher. This inauguration is not merely ceremonial, but a calling to serve and advance education. We hope this title further strengthens her contribution to the development of UPH’s Faculty of Medicine, particularly in shaping better future doctors,” James said.

Founder of Lippo Group, Mochtar Riady, also expressed pride in the achievement.

“I am proud that UPH continues to add Professors, as this title is not only an honor but also a contribution to the nation. The addition of Professors is a crucial foundation for advancing education. Congratulations to Prof. Antonia,” he said.

Dean of the UPH Faculty of Medicine Eka Julianta Wahjoepramono added, “Congratulations to Prof. Antonia on her inauguration as Professor. This milestone reflects the Faculty’s commitment to advancing knowledge. We hope Prof. Antonia will continue serving Indonesia through her expertise, as UPH expands access to education and healthcare services across regions.”

Meanwhile, Henri Togar Hasiholan Tambunan, Head of the Higher Education Service Institution (LLDikti) Region III, emphasized the importance of technology-driven medical research in addressing Indonesia’s high cardiovascular disease burden. He noted that the inauguration reflects UPH’s strong academic environment and encourages the development of future academics guided by integrity and empathy.

The inauguration of Antonia as Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine marks a new chapter in strengthening academic excellence at UPH. Beyond individual recognition, the milestone reinforces the university’s commitment to improving educational standards and contributing to the nation through high-quality medical training.