Effect of atherogenic risk factors on the state of complex intima-media of common carotid artery

Objective: To elucidate relationship between presence of atherogenic risk factors (dyslipidemia, hypertension, smoking, etc.) and common carotid artery intima-media thickness.

Methods: Color duplex carotid artery scanning and determination of blood lipids, lipo- and apolipoproteins were carried out in 160 patients aged 34-73 (mean 57.4+/-8.2) years.

Results: Dyslipidemia, hypertension (diastolic blood pressure > or = 95 mm Hg), smoking and intima-media thickness > 1 mm were present in 57, 49, 54 and 65% of patients, respectively. Intima-media thickness increased with age and in the presence of hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and smoking. Significant (p<0.05) correlations existed between intima-media thickness and levels of total cholesterol (r=0.512), triglycerides (r=0.411), apolipoprotein B (r=0.497), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (r=-0.404), apolipoprotein-A1 (r=-0.386), duration of hypertension (r=0.488).

Conclusions: Ultrasound study of intima-media thickness allowed to assess harmful effect of various atherogenic risk factors (mechanical - hypertension, biochemical - dyslipidemia, toxic - smoking) on the state of arterial wall.