The relation between aortic atherosclerosis and risk factors

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.