Atherosclerosis--multi-organ involvement the rule rather than the exception.

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Vascular Biology
• Public Health

Background:

• Atherosclerosis is a systemic inflammatory disease.
• Lesions commonly affect multiple organ systems simultaneously.
• Understanding multi-organ involvement is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence of concomitant atherosclerotic lesions in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, or peripheral vascular disease.
• To assess the association between these different manifestations of atherosclerosis.
• To explore potential differences in multi-organ involvement between sexes.

Main Methods:

• Patient cohorts admitted with coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, or peripheral vascular disease were studied.
• Non-invasive diagnostic tools were employed, including duplex scanning, arm ergometer exercise testing, and segmental limb pressure measurements.
• Concomitant atherosclerotic lesions in other organ systems were evaluated.

Main Results:

• A significant association was identified between coronary artery disease, carotid artery stenosis, and femoropopliteal disease.
• Patients exhibited widespread atherosclerotic involvement across different vascular beds.
• Women demonstrated a higher propensity for multi-organ atherosclerotic disease compared to men.

Conclusions:

• Atherosclerosis frequently presents as a multi-system disorder.
• Clinical presentation in one vascular territory suggests a high likelihood of disease in others.
• Gender and age are factors influencing the extent of atherosclerotic involvement.