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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

[Correlation study between carotid atherosclerosis and hypertension]

Nan Li1, Guan-Yi Zheng, Guang-wen Li

  • 1Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou 350001.

Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine
|August 27, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension is linked to carotid atherosclerosis (CAS), particularly in patients with phlegm-stasis syndrome (PSS). These patients show a higher incidence of soft plaque, suggesting increased risk for conditions like cerebral infarction.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Biology
  • Cardiology
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine

Background:

  • Hypertension is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.
  • Carotid atherosclerosis (CAS) is a major cause of stroke.
  • Phlegm-stasis syndrome (PSS) is a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine often associated with circulatory issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and hypertension.
  • To compare CAS occurrence and characteristics in hypertensive patients with and without phlegm-stasis syndrome (PSS).

Main Methods:

  • Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to assess CAS in 150 hypertensive patients (70 PSS, 80 non-PSS) and 30 controls.
  • CAS incidence and plaque characteristics (hard vs. soft plaque) were compared across the three groups.
  • Vascular parameters of the carotid arteries were measured.

Main Results:

  • CAS incidence was significantly higher in both hypertensive groups (PSS and non-PSS) compared to controls (P<0.01).
  • The PSS group exhibited a higher incidence of CAS than the non-PSS group (P<0.05).
  • The PSS group showed a significantly higher ratio of soft plaque (41.9%) compared to the non-PSS group (11.4%, P<0.05).
  • Hypertensive groups displayed increased inner diameters and resistance indices in carotid and vertebral arteries compared to controls (P<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension is frequently associated with varying degrees of carotid atherosclerosis.
  • Patients with hypertension and PSS have a higher proportion of soft plaque, indicating a potentially elevated risk of target organ damage, such as cerebral infarction.
  • These findings highlight the importance of assessing CAS in hypertensive patients, especially those with PSS.
Abstract

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