Evolution of intima media thickness and breast arterial calcifications as cardiovascular risk factor, effect of pregnancy and breast feeding

Abstract

Evolution of intima media thickness and breast arterial calcifications as cardiovascular risk factor, effect of pregnancy and breast feeding Objective: The aim of retrospective study was to evaluate intima media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery and breast arterial calcifications (BAC) as indicator of cardiovascular risk factors. We also aimed to evaluate contribution of pregnancy count and total time spent on breast feeding to BAC and IMT. Material and Method: This study included 40 patients with BCI and 40 patients without BCI, referred to Taksim Research and Education Hospital Radiology Clinic. All individuals cardiovascular risk factors were noted and common carotid artery IMT was measured with color doppler imaging. Number of pregnancies and time spent on breast feeding were also noted. Results: There was statistically significant relation between age and IMT, BCI both. Patients with increased IMT had higher cardiovascular risk factors compared to normal cases (1.82 against 1.33). There was not different cardiovascular risk factor value between BAC positive and negative patients (Same as 1.675). We could not find any effect of number of pregnancies and time spent on breast feeding to IMT and BAC. Conclusion: IMK was a better indicator of cardiovascular disease compared to BAC. We could not find any any effect of number of pregnancies and time spent on breast feeding to IMT and BAC.