Carotid atherosclerosis is associated with left ventricular diastolic function.

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Vascular Medicine
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a known risk factor for stroke and cardiovascular disease.
• Echocardiography and carotid ultrasonography are key diagnostic tools in cardiovascular assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between echocardiographic findings and carotid atherosclerosis.
• To determine if specific echocardiographic parameters correlate with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque score (PS).

Main Methods:

• 234 patients underwent echocardiography to assess left ventricular (LV) function, including LV ejection fraction, E/A ratio, and peak early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e').
• Carotid ultrasonography measured maximum IMT (Max-IMT) and plaque score (PS) within one month of echocardiography.
• Statistical analysis, including multiple logistic stepwise regression, was performed to identify associations.

Main Results:

• A strong correlation was found between Max-IMT and PS (r=0.83, p<0.0001).
• Decreased E/A and mitral e' indicated LV diastolic dysfunction.
• Mitral e' was independently associated with severe carotid atherosclerosis (Max-IMT ≥ 2.8 mm or PS ≥ 10.1).

Conclusions:

• Reduced early diastolic mitral annular velocity (e') is associated with parameters reflecting carotid atherosclerosis.
• Severe carotid atherosclerosis may be a contributing factor to left ventricular diastolic dysfunction.