[Correlations between carotid intima-media thickness and serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients]
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 15, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
Published on: February 7, 2015
Germaine Săvoiu1, Simona Drăgan, O Fira-Mladinescu
1Departamentul de Fiziopatologie, Facultatea de Medicină, Universitatea de Medicină si Farmacie V. Babeş Timişoara.
Unlabelled:
Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries assessed noninvasively by ultrasonography is now validated as a sensitive marker for atherosclerosis and it is directly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hyperuricemia (HU) is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
Aim:
To evaluate the correlations between IMT and uric acid levels in patients with hypertension (HT).
Material And Method:
Our study consisted of: a group of 30 patients with HT without HU (men 55%, mean age +/- S.D.: 50 +/- 11 years), a group of 25 patients with HT and HU (men 52%, mean age +/- S.D: 52 +/- 10 years), and a control group of 25 healthy subjects (men 55%, mean age +/- S.D: 50 +/- 11 years). All the patients in the study groups were examined by high resolution B-mode ultrasound to measure the IMT of the common carotid artery.
Results:
IMT values were significantly higher in the patient groups (HT without HU and HT with HU) compared to the control group (0.98 +/- 0.28, 1.41 +/- 0.31 versus 0.56 +/- 0.15 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). In the patients groups, patients with HU had significantly higher carotid IMT compared to the patients without HU. In this study we have shown that higher SUA levels are associated with atherogenesis independent from hypertension.
Conclusion:
Early screening for hyperuricemia and lowering serum uric acid levels might be beneficial in slowing progression of IMT in hypertensive patients.
Related Concept Videos
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Atherosclerosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Tests
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Serum Studies: Renal Function Tests
