Abstract 3758: High Pulse Wave Velocity has a Strong Impact on Early Carotid Atherosclerosis in a Japanese General Population

Abstract

Background : Pathological changes in large arteries make an important contribution to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The etiology and progression of such changes involve both structural and functional components. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery has been reported to be associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), which reflects functional arterial stiffness, is reported to be a prognostic predictor of cardiovascular disease. The purpose of this study is to investigate the association between carotid IMT and cardiovascular risk factors in a Japanese general population. Methods : The study group consisted of 1843 subjects (1583 men, 260 women, mean age: 57±10 years) undergoing routine health checkups. IMT of common carotid artery was measured with high-resolution ultrasonography. Brachial-ankle (baPWV) and blood pressure (BP) was measured using automated device. Obesity was shown by body mass index ≥ 25.0 kg/m2. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP (SBP) ≥130 mmHg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥ 85 mmHg. Dyslipidemia was identified by low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) concentration ≥ 140mg/dl, triglyceride (TG) ≥ 150 mg/dl, or high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) ≥ 40 mg/dl. Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) was defined as fasting glucose ≥ 110 gm/dl. Results : Univariate analysis demonstrated that carotid IMT significantly associated with age, BMI, SBP, DBP, baPWV, fasting glucose, LDL, TG, and HDL. Multiple logistic regression analysis for carotid atherosclerosis (carotid IMT ≥ 1.0 mm) was performed using obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, IFG, and high baPWV (≥ 400 cm/sec). After adjustment for age and gender, carotid atherosclerosis was significantly associated with high baPWV (OR: 2.256, 95% CI: 1.244 – 4.093, P < 0.01) and hypertension (OR: 1.543, 95% CI: 1.009 –2.361, P < 0.05). Conclusion : Carotid IMT correlated with conventional cardiovascular risk factors. Furthermore, high PWV was a stronger predictor of early carotid atherosclerosis rather than hypertension, dyslipidemia, and IFG in a Japanese general population.