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Association between multi-site atherosclerotic plaques and systemic arteriosclerosis: results from the BEST study
Huan Liu1,2, Jinbo Liu1,2, Wei Huang1
1Vascular Medicine Center, Peking University Shougang Hospital, NO. 9 Jinyuanzhuang Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, China.
Insights
Systemic arteriosclerosis, measured by pulse wave velocity, is independently linked to multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP). This association highlights the importance of assessing arteriosclerosis for early detection and intervention of MAP.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Vascular Biology
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Arteriosclerosis, encompassing arterial stiffening and plaque formation, is closely linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- Understanding the relationship between systemic arteriosclerosis and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP) is crucial for CVD risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between systemic arteriosclerosis, assessed by carotid femoral artery pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV), and the presence of multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP).
Main Methods:
- An observational cross-sectional study involving 1178 participants (mean age 67.4 years).
- Systemic arteriosclerosis was measured using CF-PWV.
- Multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP) were identified in the carotid or subclavian arteries, abdominal aorta, and lower extremities using ultrasound.
- Associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of elevated CF-PWV (>12 m/s) and MAP was 40.2% and 74.4%, respectively.
- Higher systemic arteriosclerosis (CF-PWV >12 m/s) was independently associated with MAP (OR 2.25, p<0.001).
- Peripheral artery disease, smoking, dyslipidemia, male sex, stroke, and use of hypoglycemic agents were also significantly associated with MAP.
Conclusions:
- Multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP) are highly prevalent, particularly in males.
- Elevated systemic arteriosclerosis is an independent predictor of MAP.
- Assessing systemic arteriosclerosis may aid in the earlier identification and intervention of MAP.
Background:
Arteriosclerosis can be reflected in various aspect of the artery, including atherosclerotic plaque formation or stiffening on the arterial wall. Both arteriosclerosis and atherosclerosis are important and closely associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the association between systemic arteriosclerosis and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques.
Methods:
The study was designed as an observational cross-sectional study. A total of 1178 participants (mean age 67.4 years; 52.2% male) enrolled into the observational study from 2010 to 2017. Systemic arteriosclerosis was assessed by carotid femoral artery pulse wave velocity (CF-PWV) and multi-site atherosclerotic plaques (MAP, > = 2 of the below sites) were reflected in the carotid or subclavian artery, abdominal aorta and lower extremities arteries using ultrasound equipment. The associations were assessed by multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
The prevalence of CF-PWV > 12 m/s and MAP were 40.2% and 74.4%. Atherosclerotic plaques in 3 sites were more common in male compared with that in female (48.9% versus 36.9%, p < 0.05). All CVD factors were worse in participants with MAP than that with <=1 site. Participants with CF-PWV > 12 m/s corresponded to a mean 82% probability of MAP with age and sex-adjusted. Patients with peripheral artery disease showed the highest odds ratio (OR) (3.88) for MAP, followed by smoking (2.485), CF-PWV > 12 m/s (2.25), dyslipidemia (1.89), male (1.84), stroke (1.64), hypoglycemic agents (1.56) and age (1.09) (all p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
MAP was highly prevalent in this cohort, with male showing a higher prevalence than female. Higher systemic arteriosclerosis was independently associated with MAP, which indicating the supplementary value of arteriosclerosis for the earlier identification and intervention on MAP.
Trial Registration:
Clinical Trial, URL: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov . Unique identifier: NCT02569268 .
