Extent Of Coronary Atherosclerosis Research Articles

Increased arterial wave reflections predict severe cardiovascular events in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions

Increased arterial wave reflections are associated with the presence and extent of coronary atherosclerosis and with cardiovascular mortality in selected populations. We prospectively evaluated their prognostic value in the short- and long-term following percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). We non-invasively quantified wave reflections [expressed as augmentation index corrected for heart rate of 75 b.p.m. (AIx@75)] using applanation tonometry of the radial artery and a validated transfer function to obtain the corresponding aortic values in 262 patients undergoing PCI. During 2-year follow-up, 61 patients reached the primary endpoint [death, myocardial infarction (MI), and restenosis]. Increasing tertiles of Alx@75 were related to the rate of patients reaching the primary endpoint [15.2, 20 and 35.3%, respectively (P = 0.001)], as well as the secondary endpoints total mortality, myocardial infarction and death plus myocardial infarction (RR for the third vs. the first tertile 4.33, 3.25 and 3.46, respectively, P < 0.05). In a multivariable Cox-regression model, AIx@75 added prognostic value above and beyond clinical risk factors, angiographic variables, and medications (RR 1.8, 95%CI 1.18-2.76 per increasing AIx@75-tertile, P < 0.01). Increased arterial wave reflections are independently associated with an increased risk for severe short- and long-term cardiovascular events in patients undergoing PCI.

Association of plasma eotaxin levels with the presence and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease

Eotaxin (CCL11) is an eosinophil-specific chemoattractant which has been found to be highly expressed at sites of vascular pathology. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the association of plasma eotaxin levels with the presence and extent of angiographic coronary artery disease (CAD). Three hundred and fifty six consecutive patients attending for elective coronary angiography were investigated. Compared with 111 patients without CAD, 245 with CAD showed higher eotaxin concentrations [median (interquartile range): 76.0 (56.3–103.0) pg/ml versus 116.0 (80.5–162.0) pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.001]. Importantly, a significant Spearman correlation was found between eotaxin levels and the extent score of coronary artery stenosis ( r = 0.449, P < 0.001). A stepwise increase in plasma levels of eotaxin was also found depending on the number of >50% coronary stenosis: median value 76.0 pg/ml in CAD(−) subjects, 96.0 pg/ml in 1-vessel disease, 128.0 pg/ml in 2-vessel disease, and 129.0 pg/ml in 3-vessel disease ( P < 0.001 for trend). After confounding variables were controlled for, multiple stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that plasma eotaxin was an independent predictor of angiographic extent of CAD ( β = 0.426, P < 0.001). Our data suggest that increased eotaxin levels are associated with the presence of CAD and that circulating levels of this chemokine may reflect the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Population-based assessment of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis using electron-beam computed tomography

Aims Coronary artery calcification (CAC) is determined as a measure of the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and can be used for expanded cardiovascular risk stratification. It was our aim to establish reference CAC scores in a population-based unselected European cohort. Methods and results The Heinz Nixdorf Recall study (HNR) recruited a total of 4814 participants aged 45–74 years. Cardiovascular risk factors and medications were recorded, and CAC was measured using electron-beam CT (EBCT). CAC score distribution was compared with previous studies in subjects who were self-referred, volunteered, or were physician-referred. Of the 4472 (92.9%) subjects free of clinical coronary artery disease, the CAC score was available in 4275 (95.3%) (2027 men, 2248 women). CAC scores were lower in particular in the higher age groups (≥60 years) in men than in the previous studies. Also, in most age groups (except the highest, 70–74 years), subjects with no cardiovascular medications had significantly lower CAC scores than subjects using cardiovascular medications. Conclusions The current report characterises the distribution of EBCT-derived CAC scores in a European unselected population. Compared with previous reports, CAC scores were lower in our cohort, in particular in subjects not receiving cardiovascular medications. Classification of the CAC score may underestimate true risk if previously published referral cohorts are used as the reference.

Association of the lymphotoxin-α gene Thr26Asn polymorphism with severity of coronary atherosclerosis

A recent large-scale, genome-wide association study of single nucleotide polymorphisms showed a strong association between susceptibility to myocardial infarction and the Thr26Asn polymorphism in the lymphotoxin-alpha (LTA) gene. In the present study, we investigated whether the LTA Thr26Asn polymorphism was associated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in a large cohort (n=1082) of well-documented coronary artery disease patients. Thr26Asn genotypes showed a significant different distribution in male patients, when stratified according to the number of diseased coronary arteries, with an odds ratio of 1.98 (95% CI 1.22-3.22) for multiple-vessel disease in patients of the Asn/Asn genotype, compared with patients of the Thr/Thr or Thr/Asn genotype (P=0.006). Thus, further to the recent finding that LTA gene variation is associated with susceptibility to coronary heart disease, the present study provides evidence of an association between LTA genotype and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.

Ascending aortic blood pressure-derived indices are not correlated with the extent of coronary artery disease in patients with impaired left ventricular function

Background Ascending aortic blood pressure-derived indices were shown to be related to coronary atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, most studies published so far included patients with preserved left ventricular function. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between ascending aortic blood pressure-derived indices and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with impaired left ventricular function. Methods The study group consisted of 375 patients (302 men and 73 women; mean age: 59.0 ± 10.1 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction ≤55%. Invasive ascending aortic blood pressure during catheterization and conventional sphygmomanometer measurements were taken. Results None of the brachial or aortic blood pressure-derived indices differed between patients with one-, two- and three-vessel coronary artery disease. They were not independently related to the risk of having three-vessel coronary artery disease in none of the constructed models in logistic regression analysis. Moreover, none of the studied indices was correlated with Gensini or severity scores. We also did not find any significant correlation between blood pressure-derived indices and extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with ejection fraction ≤25%, 25–40% or >40%. Conclusion Ascending aortic blood pressure-derived indices are not correlated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease and impaired left ventricular function.

Coronary Artery Surgery

Coronary Artery Surgery

Glucose Intolerance Is Common in Japanese Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome Who Were Not Previously Diagnosed With Diabetes

Postprandial hyperglycemia has emerged as a new glycometabolic condition associated with an excessive risk for coronary artery disease. We therefore attempted to evaluate the frequency of postchallenge hyperglycemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) who were not previously diagnosed to have diabetes and did not have a fasting glucose concentration of > or =7 mmol/l or an HbA(1c) level >6.0%. We further correlated the presence of postchallenge hyperglycemia with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. In all, 134 consecutive ACS patients who met the above inclusion criteria were studied. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed before discharge. The mean age, fasting glucose, and HbA(1c) were 60 years, 5.15 mmol/l, and 5.4%, respectively. Among ACS patients, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and diabetes were found in 50 (37%) and 13 patients (10%), respectively. The homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance did not differ substantially among the normal glucose tolerance (NGT), IGT, and diabetic groups. Insulinogenic index, however, was lower and the number of stenosed vessels higher in diabetic patients compared with NGT patients. Postchallenge hyperglycemia, caused primarily by impaired initial insulin secretion, is commonly found in Japanese ACS patients who have not been previously diagnosed with diabetes, and this phenomenon is considered to be associated with advanced coronary atherosclerosis. Therefore, the present study strongly supports the notion that oral glucose tolerance test assessment of postchallenge hyperglycemia is essential to identify any previously undiagnosed diabetes cases among Japanese ACS patients.

Coronary artery calcification in patients with CRF not undergoing dialysis

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) correlates with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis and, consequently, with an increased risk for cardiovascular events. CAC is more frequent in uremic patients than in the general population. Nearly all data about CAC relate to patients on dialysis therapy. This study evaluates the prevalence and extent of CAC in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) not yet on dialysis therapy. Consecutive outpatients with CRF not on dialysis therapy were enrolled and compared with controls (ie, healthy volunteers and patients with essential hypertension with normal renal function). Patients and controls were asymptomatic and had no previous history of myocardial infarction, coronary bypass surgery, or angioplasty. Patients with diabetes were excluded. Clinical characteristics, biochemical test results (included homocysteinemia and C-reactive protein level), and serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) were evaluated in patients and controls. CACs were searched for and scored by means of spiral computed tomography (CT). To assess the CAC progression rate, spiral CT was repeated in some patients. Eighty-five patients and 55 controls were studied. Patients were aged 52 +/- 13 years and had a CRF duration of 6.3 +/- 5.6 years, glomerular filtration rate of 33.0 +/- 16.0 mL/min (0.55 +/- 0.27 mL/s), serum calcium level of 9.5 +/- 0.5 mg/dL (2.37 +/- 0.12 mmol/L), serum phosphorus level of 4.1 +/- 0.9 mg/dL (1.32 +/- 0.29 mmol/L), and serum iPTH level of 143 +/- 121 pg/mL (ng/L). CAC was found in 40% of patients and 13% of controls; calcification scores were 422 +/- 634 in patients and 43.9 +/- 33 in controls. Only age ( P < 0.001) was a predictor of CAC. In patients with a repeated score performed (after a mean of 7.9 months), calcification scores increased (from 383 +/- 627 to 682 +/- 890) in 8 of 10 patients. CAC is already present in the early phase of CRF; the prevalence is greater in patients with CRF than in controls, but less than that reported in dialysis patients. Serum concentrations of calcium, phosphorus, iPTH, and inflammation markers do not predict the appearance or progression of CAC.

Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis

Background The aim of this study was to compare Chlamydia pneumoniae IgG and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Methods We investigated 92 patients with stable angina pectoris who underwent coronary angiography to assess chest pain. Before angiography, C. pneumoniae IgG was analyzed. The number of major coronary arteries (1–3) having at least one diameter narrowing (≥50%) stenosis was determined. The patients were divided into two groups of equal size, according to C. pneumoniae IgG levels. One group included individuals with C. pneumoniae IgG levels exceeding 46 enzyme-immuno-units (EIU)/L and the other consisted of subjects with IgG concentrations below 46 EIU/L. Results Subjects with higher antibody concentrations had a more severe disease. The number of diseased arteries was 2.1±0.8 (S.D.) and 1.4±0.6 (S.D.) for the two groups, respectively. The difference is highly significant ( p<0.0001). Conclusions This study suggests a causative relationship between C. pneumoniae IgG and the degree of coronary atherosclerosis. It does not, however, prove causality.

Lack of Association Between Lipoprotein(a) and Coronary Artery Calcification in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy (GENOA) Study

To investigate the relationship between lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] levels and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in a cohort that consisted predominantly of hypertensive patients. Patients were ascertained through sibships that contained at least 2 individuals with essential hypertension diagnosed before the age of 60 years. The 10-year coronary heart disease (CHD) risk was estimated on the basis of the Framingham risk equation. Serum Lp(a) was measured by an immunoturbidimetric assay. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) was measured noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography and CAC score calculated using the Agatston score. Patients included 765 non-Hispanic, white individuals (59% women) participating in the Genetic Epidemiology Network of Arteriopathy study. The mean +/- SD age of the patients was 62 +/- 8 years, and 77% had hypertension. The prevalence of detectable CAC was 87% in men and 60% in women. The CAC scores did not differ significantly across quintiles of Lp(a) levels in either men or women. In a multiple regression model that included conventional risk factors, Lp(a) levels were not related to CAC quantity in either sex. No significant interactions were noted between Lp(a) levels and the conventional risk factors in the prediction of CAC quantity. When stratified on the basis of the 10-year CHD risk, 26.5% of the patients were low risk (< 6%), 60.5% were intermediate risk (6%-20%), and 12.9% were high risk (> 20%). Lipoprotein(a) was not associated with CAC quantity within subgroups based on 10-year CHD risk. In this cohort enriched with hypertensive patients, the estimated 10-year CHD risk did not appear to modify the lack of an association between Lp(a) levels and CAC.

Low-density lipoprotein particle size and coronary atherosclerosis in subjects belonging to hypertensive sibships

Dyslipidemia in hypertensive sibships may be characterized by atherogenic small low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles. Whether LDL particle size is associated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in hypertensive sibships is unknown. Subjects (n = 792, mean age 62 years, 60% women) were ascertained through sibships containing at least two individuals with essential hypertension diagnosed before age 60 years. The LDL particle size was measured by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) was measured noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography, and CAC score was calculated using the method of Agatston et al. Sex-specific multiple regression models were used to assess independent predictors of LDL particle size and the association of LDL particle size with CAC. In all, 76% of women and 77% of men were hypertensive. In each sex, independent predictors of smaller LDL particle size were total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lower HDL cholesterol. In women, greater age was an additional predictor of smaller LDL particle size. After adjustment for age and statin use, LDL particle size was significantly associated with the amount of CAC in women but not in men. After further adjustment for HDL cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, smoking, and hypertension, LDL particle size was not independently associated with CAC in either sex. After adjustment for age and statin use, LDL particle size was found to be significantly related to CAC quantity in women but not in men belonging to hypertensive sibships. In women, LDL particle size may mediate some of the atherogenic effects of low-HDL cholesterol-high-triglyceride dyslipidemia, but does not appear to be independently associated with the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in either sex.

Detection of Chlamydia pneumoniae in atherosclerotic coronary arteries.

Chlamydia pneumoniae has recently been associated with the development of coronary heart diseases by sero-epidemiological studies and by direct detection of the organism in atherosclerotic tissues. The aim of our study was to employ a semi-nested PCR approach to investigate the presence of C. pneumoniae in both normal and atherosclerotic coronary arteries of humans obtained at autopsy. Moreover, we have evaluated the role of infection with C. pneumoniae in relation to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. One hundred and eighty coronary artery specimens were collected at autopsy from 60 consecutive subjects (three arterial segments from each subject). Atherosclerosis in each arterial segment was graded histologically by the Stary classification. Thirty normal coronary arteries were also taken at autopsy as control. PCR results evidenced the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA in atherosclerotic coronary arteries in 19 (31.7%) of 60 subjects examined, while none of the 30 subjects with non-atherosclerotic tissues was positive (p=0.001). Moreover, of the 180 atherosclerotic specimens examined, C. pneumoniae DNA was detected in 3.4% (2/59) of mild atherosclerotic lesions, and in 14.0% (17/121) of advanced atherosclerotic lesions (p=0.05). Our results demonstrate that the presence of C. pneumoniae DNA may be associated with the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.

Peripheral arterial occlusive disease as a predictor of the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease with and without diabetes mellitus.

We evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of a diagnosis of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) as a predictor of the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with and without diabetes. A total of 302 patients were assigned to groups according to the angiographic severity of their CAD and their diabetes status. Both PAOD and severe PAOD were diagnosed by measuring the ankle-brachial index (ABI) and toe-brachial index (TBI). A diagnosis of PAOD had a low sensitivity (34.3%) but a high specificity (87.0%) for detecting patients with severe CAD. Sensitivity was higher in patients with diabetes (52.4%) than without (19.5%), whereas specificity was higher in patients without diabetes (95.4%) than those with diabetes (69.8%). A diagnosis of severe PAOD had a higher specificity (96.0%), but a very low sensitivity (16.4%). We conclude that a diagnosis of PAOD among patients with CAD had a low sensitivity but a high specificity for detecting those with severe CAD, particularly in patients without diabetes.

Fractional diastolic and systolic pressure in the ascending aorta are related to the extent of coronary artery disease

Background Ascending aortic fractional pulse pressure and fractional systolic pressure (FSP) were demonstrated to differentiate patients with and without coronary artery disease. However, no study so far has analyzed the relationship between FSP and fractional diastolic pressure (FDP) and the extent of coronary artery disease. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between ascending aortic FSP and FDP and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in unselected patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. Methods The study group consisted of 445 patients (350 men and 95 women, mean age 58.5 ± 9.7 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction >55%. Invasive ascending aortic blood pressure during catheterization and conventional sphygmomanometer measurements were taken. Results Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP derived from intraaortic measurements differentiated patients with one-, two-, and three-vessel coronary artery disease (PP, 62.8 ± 15.8 v 64.8 ± 17.9 v 71.7 ± 19.1 [ P < .0001]; FSP, 1.45 ± 0.09 v 1.46 ± 0.10 v 1.51 ± 0.12 [ P < .0001]; FDP 0.77 ± 0.05 v 0.77 ± 0.05 v 0.75 ±0.06 [ P < .0001]). After multivariate stepwise adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having three-vessel disease was as follows: PP per 10 mm Hg, OR = 1.15, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.30; FSP per 0.1, OR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.03 to 1.60; and FDP per 0.1, OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.39 to 0.95. None of the brachial pressure indices was independently related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusions Pulse pressure (PP), FSP, and FDP of the ascending aorta are related to the risk of three-vessel disease in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.

Ascending aortic, but not brachial blood pressure-derived indices are related to coronary atherosclerosis

A recent study has demonstrated that pulse pressure (PP) measured in the ascending aorta is related to the extent of coronary artery disease in patients undergoing coronary angioplasty. However, no study so far has analyzed the relation between pulsatility of the ascending aorta and the extent of coronary artery disease in consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography. Therefore, we investigated the relation between ascending aorta pulsatility and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis in unselected patients with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease. The study group consisted of 423 consecutive patients (334 men and 89 women; mean age: 58.6±9.7 years) with angiographically confirmed coronary artery disease and ejection fraction ≤60% PP, fractional pulse pressure (the ratio of pulse pressure to mean pressure, FPP), and the ratio of pulse pressure to diastolic pressure (pulsatility index, PI) derived from intraaortic measurements differentiated patients with one-, two- and three-vessel coronary artery disease (PP, 63.0±16.0 versus 64.2±18.3 versus 71.8±19.1 mmHg ( P < 0.0001); FPP, 0.68±0.14 versus 0.69±0.15 versus 0.76±0.17 ( P < 0.0001); PI 0.89±0.25 versus 0.92±0.27 versus 1.04±0.32 ( P < 0.0001)). After multivariate stepwise adjustment, the odds ratio (OR) and confidence interval (CI) of having three-vessel disease was: PP per 10 mmHg OR 1.15 (95% CI 1.02–1.31); FPP per 0.1 OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.02–1.37); and PI per 0.1 OR 1.11 (95% CI 1.03–1.21). None of brachial blood pressure indices was independently related to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Pulse pressure, fractional pulse pressure, and pulsatility index of the ascending aorta are related to the risk of three-vessel disease in patients with coronary artery disease and preserved left ventricular function.

The prevalence, type and severity of cardiovascular disease in diabetic and non-diabetic patients: a matched-paired retrospective analysis using coronary angiography as the diagnostic tool.

People with diabetes mellitus have a 2-8-fold excess in cardiovascular mortality than people without diabetes. This study compared angiographically determined cardiovascular disease in 79 patients with diabetes mellitus and an equal number of matched controls without diabetes under the age of 55 years. Seventy-nine diabetic patients coming to coronary angiography during a 12-month period were reviewed retrospectively along with 79 control patients matched for age (+/- 3 years), sex, ethnic origin and risk factors (hyperlipidemia, body mass index and smoking history). The angiographic features of a consecutive series of 62 European and 17 Asian patients and their matched-paired controls were assessed. In all study subjects had undergone elective coronary angiography and ventriculography. Angiographic findings were graded to describe severity and extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Left ventricular systolic function was assessed by ejection fraction. The diabetic group had a significantly higher arterial systolic pressure than the non-diabetic group (p < 0.008) and they were clinically obese with a body mass index of >30. Detailed analysis of the angiograms showed that prevalence and severity of coronary artery disease in diabetic patients was greater. The mean 'severity score' was 11.66 for the diabetic group against 8.49 for the non-diabetic group (p < 0.037). Multivessel disease was more common in diabetic patients than in the controls, with three-vessel disease being the most common. Furthermore, 38 of 79 diabetic patients had three-vessel disease compared to 29 of 79 controls. Diabetic patients were also more likely to have more segments diseased in one vessel. Systolic function was reduced in the diabetic group, with a significantly lower (p < 0.05) mean ejection fraction. The present study supports the evidence that diabetic patients have more extensive coronary artery disease than non-diabetic patients and a poorer prognosis, and that the coronary arteries of the Asian patients were affected more adversely than those of the European group irrespective of the diabetic state.

Coronary age as a risk factor in the modified Framingham risk score.

BackgroundClinical guidelines emphasize risk assessment as vital to patient selection for medical primary intervention. However, risk assessment methods are restricted in their ability to predict further coronary events. The most widely accepted tool in the United States is the Framingham risk score. In these equations age is a powerful risk factor. Although the extent of coronary atherosclerosis increases with age, there is large inter-individual variability in the rate of development and progression of this disease. This fact limits the utility of Framingham scoring when applied to individuals. Electron beam tomography (EBT), which measures coronary calcium, provides a non-invasive method for assessing coronary plaque burden, thus offering the possibility of providing a more accurate estimate of an individual's "arterial age" than from chronological age alone.MethodsIn this paper we discuss a new and simple method for incorporating the coronary calcium score (CCS) to modify the Framingham Risk Assessment (FRA). Using this method, a coronary artery calcium (CAC) age equivalent is generated that replaces chronological age in Framingham scoring.Results and discussionUsing a percentile table of CCS scores by age group and sex, individuals are matched to the age group whose calcium score most closely approximates their own individual score. The original 10-year absolute risk score of a 65-year old man with a CCS of 6 based on chronological age is 10%, whereas the modified absolute risk score based on CAC age equivalents is 2%.ConclusionOur approach of replacing chronological age with CAC age equivalents in the Framingham equations possesses simplicity of application combined with precision. Physicians can easily derive adjusted Framingham risk scores and prescribe intervention methods based on patients' ten-year risks. The adjusted ten-year risks are likely to be more accurate than unadjusted risks since they are based on coronary calcium score information. The modified FRA approach not only may increase the predicted risk for some patients, but also may decrease the predicted risk for others, making it a more precise adjustment than other methods.

Non-invasive measures of pulse wave velocity correlate with coronary arterial plaque load in humans.

Arterial stiffness is an emerging major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of the present study was to assess if coronary artery plaque load correlates with non-invasive measures of arterial stiffness. Prospective investigational study. Tertiary university hospital centre. Patients undergoing elective diagnostic coronary angiography. Coronary artery plaque burden was assessed using a 30 MHz intravascular ultrasound catheter during an automated pullback. Proximal coronary artery plaque volume was determined using a validated edge-detection algorithm following three-dimensional computerized reconstruction. Central arterial stiffness was assessed in each patient using applanation tonometry to radial, carotid and femoral pulses, with derivation of aortic pressure augmentation and pulse wave velocity using pulse wave analysis. In 35 patients (61 +/- 2 years), proximal coronary arterial plaque volume was 5.9 +/- 0.6 mm3/mm of vessel. Plaque volume correlated positively with carotid-radial pulse wave velocity (r = 0.47, P = 0.008) and appeared to correlate with carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (r = 0.34, P = 0.07). Aortic augmentation (r = 0.24, P = 0.16), augmentation index (r = 0.3, P = 0.08), and pulse pressure (r = 0.22, P = 0.2) did not correlate significantly with proximal coronary artery plaque volume. Non-invasive measures of carotid-radial pulse wave velocity correlate with the extent of coronary artery plaque volume and may be a useful non-invasive surrogate marker for the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Our findings are consistent with the suggestion that central aortic stiffness may promote the development of coronary atherosclerosis and ischaemic heart disease.

Correlation between Endothelial Function and the Extent of Coronary Atherosclerosis

Background and Objectives:The purposes of this study were to provide evidence of any correlation between the endothelial dysfunction and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis, and the relationship between the endothelial function and individual atherosclerosis risk factors in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. Subjects and Methods:The endothelial function was measured by hyperemia induced brachial artery dilation, using high resolution ultrasound, in 284 consecutive patients (mean age 59 years, men:176) having undergone coronary angiography. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the number of coronary arteries narrowed by more than 50%;0 (n=88), 1 (n=98), 2 (n=54) and 3 (n=44). The endothelial functions were compared to see if significant coronary artery disease was present, according to the groups and the presence of individual atherosclerosis risk factors. Results:There were no significant differences in the endothelial dysfunction between the narrowed and normal coronary artery groups (4.66±2.45% vs. 4.43±1.53% p>0.05) or between the four groups. The endothelial function in patients with significant coronary artery stenosis (n=196) was significantly lower when coupled with hypertension (n=84, 2.99±2.4% vs. 4.20±2.4%, p<0.05), diabetes (n=44, 4.07±2.7% vs. 4.84±2.5%, p<0.05) and hypercholesterolemia (n=82, 4.26±1.9% vs. 4.95 ±2.7%, p<0.05), but not with smoking. Conclusion:The endothelial function showed no difference according to the extent of coronary atherosclerosis. Risk factors of atherosclerosis, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia, can deteriorate the endothelial function further, even in the patients with significant coronary artery stenosis. (Korean Circulation J 2004;34(8):752-760)

Association of the gene polymorphisms of platelet glycoprotein Ia and IIb/IIIa with myocardial infarction and extent of coronary artery disease in the Korean population.

Platelet membrane receptor glycoproteins (GP) are essential for the platelet activation process, and the genetic polymorphisms in the genes that encode platelet glycoproteins have been proposed to influence the risk of acute coronary syndrome and atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the role of GPIa, HPA-1 and HPA-3 polymorphisms as putative risk factors for myocardial infarction (MI) and the extent of coronary artery disease. We selected 1,073 subjects who underwent coronary angiography; 242 had normal or minimal coronary atherosclerosis, and 831 patients had significant coronary artery disease (CAD). The genotype was determined by the methods of single base extension for C807T/G873A polymorphisms of GPIa, and restriction fragment length polymorphism for HPA-1 and HPA-3. The C807T and G873A polymorphisms of GPIa showed complete linkage in the Korean population. For HPA-1 gene polymorphism, only the HPA-1a/a (PlA1/A1) genotype was observed in 192 selected subjects from our study population. The distribution of GPIa (C807T/G873A) and HPA-3 genotypes did not differ significantly between normal subjects and CAD subjects. No significant association between MI and both gene polymorphisms was present. However, for the subgroup analysis of young male patients whose age was less than 56 years, the genotype frequency of HPA-3b/b was significantly lower in patients with MI compared to patients without a history of MI (7.5% vs. 20.0%, p=0.04). The odds ratio for HPA-3 b homozygosity versus the HPA-3a carrier was 0.32 (95% CI, 0.10- 0.99, p=0.04). Conclusively, HPA-3 polymorphism was associated with MI in Korean individuals younger than 56 years of age, but other polymorphisms of GP, which we studied, were not associated with both the extent of coronary atherosclerosis or MI.