Carotid intima media thickness is in a relation to risk factors for coronary artery disease.

INTRODUCTION

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a double line pattern measured from the lumen-intima to media-adventitia interface. Measuring CIMT with B-mode ultrasound can detect early arterial wall changes. We aimed to measure CIMT in manifested atherosclerotic disease and find a relation to present risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This cross sectional study included a population of 657 patients, with documented coronary artery disease (CAD), 66,1% were men (469 pts), 33,9% were women (241 pts). The mean age of patients was 64,72 years (55,6-73,8). The measurement of CIMT (maximal and mean) was performed with B-mode ultrasound, on longitudinal view, on multiple plaque-free segments at the level of common carotid artery, on the far wall, on both sides. Multivariate regression analysis was done to estimate independent factors for CIMT, when risk factors, age, and sex included in analysis.

RESULTS

The mean value of maximal CIMT was 0,96 mm (0,52-1,4), mean value of mean CIMT was 0,88 mm (range 0,61-1,15) and mean systolic blood pressure of 133,21 mm Hg (108,03-158,39) was found. Increased CIMT was found in 75,7% of patients (502 pts). Smoking was found as an independent risk factor for increased CIMT with odds ratio (OR) 4,7 (95% CI; 0,67-5,32) and diabetes mellitus with OR 1,6 (95% CI; 0,47-2,16).

CONCLUSION

Diabetes and smoking are independently related to increased CIMT. These are preliminary results of National survey on 657 pts with coronary artery disease.