Vascular endothelial function of patients with stable coronary artery disease

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Biology
• Metabolic Syndrome

Background:

• Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• Endothelial dysfunction is an early marker of atherosclerosis and a predictor of cardiovascular events.
• Understanding factors contributing to endothelial dysfunction in CHD patients is crucial for risk stratification and management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate vascular endothelial function in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD).
• To identify key contributing factors associated with endothelial dysfunction in this population.
• To assess the impact of statins treatment on endothelial function.

Main Methods:

• One hundred twenty-six CHD outpatients were recruited.
• Reactive hyperemia index (RHI) was used to assess endothelial function (RHI <1.67 indicates dysfunction).
• Correlations between RHI and biochemical parameters, risk factors, coronary lesion severity, and statins use were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Patients on statins had significantly higher RHI than those not on statins (P<0.05).
• Endothelial dysfunction was associated with more CHD risk factors, severe coronary lesions, smoking, and elevated FBG, HbA1C, hs-CRP, and Hcy.
• Statins treatment for one month significantly improved RHI in patients with endothelial dysfunction (P=0.01).

Conclusions:

• Smoking, FBG, HbA1C, Hcy, and hs-CRP are significantly associated with endothelial dysfunction in CHD patients.
• Endothelial dysfunction is linked to the number of CHD risk factors, coronary lesion extent, and statins use.
• Statins therapy demonstrates potential to significantly improve endothelial function in CHD patients.