RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PCSK9 PLASMA LEVELS AND CAROTID ATEROSCLEROSIS IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: The objective of our study is to assess whether serum PSCK9 levels are associated with AT by measuring the CIMT, which allows the identification of an analytically independent risk factor in hypertensive patients, with the aim of improving early cardiovascular risk detection in these patients. Design and method: In a population of 166 patients with high blood pressure (HBP), the CIMT was evaluated and correlated with the analytical values of PCSK9. The age of the participants ranges between 30 and 86 years, with an average age of 59.5 years and a standard deviation of 11.4 years (CV-19.2%). 55.4% were men. Ultrasound variables related to the carotid arteries, specifically the CIMT and the presence of unstable plaques, were analysed. Results: We analyse the possible relationship between the plasma value of PCSK9 and the CIMT considering two situations: that the CIMT is normal or altered. The average PCSK9 levels for both situations are high, observing that the average value for people with altered CIMT is significantly higher (p = 0.001). If we calculate the mean values of CIMT for individuals with normal and altered PCSK9, it is observed that it is significantly higher in individuals with altered PCSK9 (p = 0.000). We also relate the percentage of individuals with altered CIMT with the presence of normal / altered PCSK9 values. The relationship between the variables is statistically significant (p = 0.000), indicating that the proportion of subjects with alteration of the PCSK9 is clearly higher in the group with altered CIMT (75.5% versus 39.3%). With respect to the relationship between PCSK9 values and the presence or absence of unstable carotid plaques, in individuals with this type of plaque, the average level of PCSK9 is clearly higher. However, since the group with this situation is very small, the difference cannot be considered significant (p = 0.170). Conclusions: The serum levels of PSCK9 are positively correlated with an early CV risk factor (CIMT). Therefore, we can conclude that PSCK9 can become an independent risk factor for AT in hypertensive patients. More studies are needed to confirm our preliminary results