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Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
06:43

Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus

Published on: December 7, 2013

The relation between aortic atherosclerosis and risk factors

Abdi Bozkurt1, Murat Cayli, Mesut Demir

  • 1Department of Cardiology, School of Medicine, Cukurova University, 01330 Adana, Turkey. abozkurt@cu.edu.tr

Anadolu Kardiyoloji Dergisi : AKD = the Anatolian Journal of Cardiology
|March 10, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Age, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia contribute to aortic wall and valve atherosclerosis. This study found hypercholesterolemia predicts aortic wall changes, while age and smoking predict aortic valve thickness.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Vascular Biology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Non-familial hypercholesterolemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Atherosclerotic changes in the aorta can lead to serious complications.
  • Understanding the impact of risk factors on aortic atherosclerosis is crucial for prevention and management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the influence of risk factors, including non-familial hypercholesterolemia, on atherosclerotic alterations of the aortic wall and valve.
  • To compare these changes between patients with and without hypercholesterolemia using transthoracic echocardiography.

Main Methods:

  • Transthoracic echocardiography was used to evaluate 111 patients with non-familial hypercholesterolemia and 112 controls.
  • Aortic wall hyperechogenicity and valve thickness were assessed visually and by measurement.
  • Aortic diameters were measured at multiple levels; multivariate logistic regression and correlation analyses identified risk factor associations.

Main Results:

  • Aortic wall hyperechogenicity was more prevalent in hypercholesterolemia patients (84.7% vs 70.5%).
  • Patients with hypercholesterolemia had smaller mean aortic root diameters.
  • Age and smoking independently predicted aortic valve thickness, while hypercholesterolemia predicted aortic wall hyperechogenicity.

Conclusions:

  • Age, smoking, and hypercholesterolemia are significantly associated with atherosclerotic changes in the aortic wall and valve.
  • Hypercholesterolemia specifically impacts aortic wall characteristics, whereas age and smoking affect aortic valve thickness.
Abstract

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