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[Susceptibility to endothelium-dependent vasoactive agents in patients with coronary artery calcinosis]

L V Popova1, K Iu Nikolaev, A A Nikolaeva

  • 1Central Clinical Hospital, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia.

Angiologiia I Sosudistaia Khirurgiia = Angiology and Vascular Surgery
|April 4, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Coronary artery calcinosis is linked to reduced vascular response to acetylcholine. Smoking impacts microvascular reactivity to histamine, especially in those with coronary artery calcification.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Medical Imaging
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Coronary artery calcinosis is a marker of atherosclerosis.
  • Microvascular dysfunction is increasingly recognized in cardiovascular disease.
  • The relationship between coronary calcification and microvascular reactivity requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between coronary artery calcinosis and microvascular reactivity.
  • To assess the impact of acetylcholine and histamine on vascular function in patients with and without coronary calcification.
  • To explore the influence of smoking on microvascular responses.

Main Methods:

  • ECG-gated multislice spiral CT for coronary artery calcinosis assessment in 68 patients.
  • Laser Doppler flowmetry to measure microcirculatory bed vascular reactivity.
  • Administration of acetylcholine and histamine to evaluate vascular responses.

Main Results:

  • Coronary artery calcinosis showed a significant negative correlation with vascular susceptibility to acetylcholine (r=-0.380, p=0.002).
  • This correlation was independent of sex, age, and medication.
  • Smoking significantly affected microvascular reactivity to histamine in individuals without coronary atherosclerosis.
  • A history of smoking was associated with impaired vascular reactivity to histamine in patients with coronary artery calcinosis.

Conclusions:

  • Coronary artery calcinosis is associated with impaired microvascular endothelial function, specifically reduced responsiveness to acetylcholine.
  • Smoking history is a significant factor influencing microvascular reactivity to histamine, particularly in individuals with coronary artery calcification.
  • These findings highlight the complex interplay between coronary atherosclerosis, microvascular function, and lifestyle factors like smoking.

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