Correlation between Intima-Media Thickness in Carotid Artery and the Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Abstract

Background and Objectives:We performed this study to elucidate whether there were significant correlations 1) between intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and 2) between carotid IMT and risk factors of atherosclerosis in patients with coronary atherosclerosis. Subjects and Methods:All study subjects (n=326, 200 males, 59±10 years) had chest pain and underwent coronary angiography. IMT was measured in the far wall of the internal and common carotid arteries and the carotid bulb using high-resolution ultrasound with a 3-11 MHz linear probe. We also evaluated the presence of plaque in the carotid artery. The extent of coronary atherosclerosis was divided into 4 groups (0, 1, 2, and 3) according to the number of coronary arteries narrowed more than 50% of the diameter. Results:In patients with one or more diseased coronary vessels, IMT of the common carotid artery was thicker (0.81±0.15 mm vs. 0.91±0.28 mm, p<0.05) and plaques were more frequently found (16% vs. 40%, p<0.05). There was also a significant correlation between the extent of coronary artery atherosclerosis and IMT of the common carotid artery (r=0.217, p<0.001) and the internal carotid artery (r=0.177, p<0.01). Multiple regression analysis revealed hypertension and smoking, among the atherosclerosis risk factors, as independent factors in the IMT of the common carotid artery and carotid bulb. Conclusion:We concluded that there was a significant correlation between the extent of coronary artery disease and IMT of the carotid artery;and that hypertension and smoking, of all atherosclerosis risk factors, were independent factors in the IMT of the carotid artery. (Korean Circulation J 2003;33 (5):401-408)