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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Kidney function and thickness of carotid intima-media complex in patients with treated arterial hypertension

A Skalska1, E Klimek, B Wizner

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine and Gerontology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 31-531 Kraków, Poland. anskal@su.krakow.pl

Blood Pressure
|October 16, 2007
PubMed

Insights

This study found that impaired renal function, indicated by higher cystatin C levels or lower creatinine clearance, is linked to increased carotid intima-media thickness in hypertensive patients. Age is a primary factor, but these renal markers independently predict arterial thickening.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Medical Diagnostics

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  • Carotid intima-media thickness (CCA-IMT) is an indicator of subclinical atherosclerosis.
  • Renal function plays a role in cardiovascular health, but its association with CCA-IMT in treated hypertensive patients requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between renal function parameters and CCA-IMT in treated hypertensive individuals.
  • To identify independent predictors of increased CCA-IMT among hypertensive patients.

Main Methods:

  • Eighty-seven hypertensive patients (age >45 years, 51.7% diabetic) were assessed.
  • Renal function was evaluated using plasma creatinine, cystatin C, and creatinine clearance (Cockcroft-Gault formula).
  • CCA-IMT was measured, and logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent associations.

Main Results:

  • A majority of patients (72.4%) exhibited CCA-IMT >0.9 mm.
  • Higher CCA-IMT was associated with older age, higher pulse pressure, elevated cystatin C, higher HbA1c, and lower creatinine clearance.
  • After adjusting for age, increased cystatin C and decreased creatinine clearance were independently associated with a higher probability of thickened CCA-IMT.

Conclusions:

  • Cystatin C concentration is a valuable indicator of renal function impairment associated with carotid intima-media thickening in hypertensive patients.
  • Estimated creatinine clearance provides similar information regarding the association between renal function and CCA-IMT.
  • Age is a significant independent predictor of CCA-IMT, with a stronger effect in older individuals.

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