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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

An association between the estimated glomerular filtration rate and carotid atherosclerosis

Ryuichi Kawamoto1, Nobuyuki Ohtsuka, Tomo Kusunoki

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Nomura Municipal Hospital. rykawamo@ehime.med.or.jp

Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|March 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is linked to increased carotid atherosclerosis, indicated by carotid intima-media thickness (IMT). Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) independently predicts IMT, suggesting CKD as a cardiovascular risk factor.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Nephrology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a significant global health challenge.
  • Evidence is mixed on whether CKD independently contributes to carotid intima-media thickness (IMT).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between CKD and carotid atherosclerosis.
  • To determine if CKD is an independent risk factor for increased carotid IMT.

Main Methods:

  • Study included 428 men and 582 women, aged 70±15 and 75±12 years, respectively.
  • Carotid IMT measured using B-mode ultrasonography.
  • CKD assessed by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) via the MDRD Study equation.

Main Results:

  • In both men and women, age, systolic blood pressure, antihypertensive use, HDL-C, LDL-C, and eGFR significantly correlated with carotid IMT.
  • Stepwise regression revealed eGFR as a significant independent predictor of carotid IMT in both sexes.
  • Adjusted analysis confirmed eGFR's independent contribution to carotid IMT.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced eGFR is associated with increased carotid atherosclerosis.
  • CKD appears to be an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis, beyond common cardiovascular risk factors.
  • Findings highlight the importance of renal function in cardiovascular health.
Abstract

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