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Updated: Jul 13, 2026

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome
06:04

Pulse-Wave Velocity, Flow-Mediated Dilation, and Carotid Intima-Media Thickness to Assess Cardiovascular Risk in Population with Metabolic Syndrome

Published on: September 27, 2024

Impaired endothelial function and increased carotid intima-media thickness in association with elevated von

H Der1, G Kerekes, K Veres

  • 13rd Department of Medicine, Institute for Internal Medicine, University of Debrecen, Medical and Health Science Center, Debrecen, Hungary.

Lupus
|August 3, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) show impaired endothelial function and increased atherosclerosis markers. These findings suggest endothelial damage and support considering vasoprotective therapies for APS.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology

Background:

  • Primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) involves thrombotic events and pregnancy complications, linked to antiphospholipid antibodies.
  • Antiphospholipid antibodies can activate endothelial cells and are associated with atherosclerosis.
  • Endothelial dysfunction and early atherosclerosis are potential complications in primary APS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess endothelial impairment in primary APS patients.
  • To evaluate early signs of atherosclerosis in primary APS.
  • To compare vasodilation, von Willebrand factor, and carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) between primary APS patients and healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • Measured flow-mediated (endothelium-dependent) and nitrate-mediated (endothelium-independent) vasodilation.
  • Assessed von Willebrand factor antigen levels.
  • Determined carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT).

Main Results:

  • Significantly lower flow-mediated vasodilation in primary APS patients compared to controls (3.43% vs. 7.96%).
  • Significantly higher von Willebrand factor antigen levels in primary APS patients (157.91% vs. 125.87%).
  • Significantly larger carotid artery IMT in primary APS patients (0.714 mm vs. 0.58 mm).

Conclusions:

  • Primary APS is associated with ongoing endothelial damage.
  • Patients with primary APS exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis.
  • Vasoprotective therapy may benefit patients with primary APS.

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