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Uric acid and high sensitive C-reactive protein are associated with subclinical thoracic aortic atherosclerosis

Mustafa Gür1, Durmuş Yıldıray Sahin, Zafer Elbasan

  • 1Adana Numune Education and Research Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Adana, Turkey. drmugur@yahoo.com

Journal of Cardiology
|November 20, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Serum uric acid (UA) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) are linked to subclinical thoracic atherosclerosis. This study found a positive association between UA levels and the severity of aortic intima-media thickness, indicating a potential role in cardiovascular disease progression.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Biochemistry
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) detects atherosclerotic lesions in the aorta, indicating widespread disease.
  • Hyperuricemia is a known cardiovascular disease risk factor, but its link to thoracic aortic atherosclerosis is unstudied.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between serum uric acid (UA) levels and subclinical thoracic aortic atherosclerosis.

Main Methods:

  • 181 patients underwent TEE to assess thoracic aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) graded 1-4.
  • Serum UA and other biochemical markers were measured.

Main Results:

  • Higher UA levels correlated with increased IMT grades (p<0.001).
  • Multiple regression analysis revealed UA, age, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and hsCRP were independently associated with IMT.

Conclusions:

  • Serum UA and hsCRP levels show an independent, positive association with subclinical thoracic atherosclerosis.
Abstract

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