Differences in Carotid Artery Geometry and Flow Caused by Body Postural Changes and Physical Exercise

Area of Science:

• Vascular Ultrasound
• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Arterial geometry and hemodynamics are influenced by body posture and physical activity.
• These factors may play a role in the distribution of atherosclerosis.
• The carotid bifurcation is a critical site for cardiovascular events.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate geometric and hemodynamic changes in the carotid bifurcation.
• To assess alterations in different body postures (sitting, supine, lateral).
• To evaluate changes after high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

Main Methods:

• Three-dimensional vascular ultrasound (3DVUS) and Doppler ultrasound.
• Acquired images from 21 healthy participants.
• Measured carotid artery diameters, velocities, and wall shear stress in various postures and post-exercise.

Main Results:

• Significant changes in common carotid artery (CCA) and internal carotid artery (ICA) diameters and ratios were observed across different postures.
• Hemodynamic parameters like CCA peak systolic velocity (PSV), end-diastolic velocity (EDV), pulsatility index (PI), and wall shear stress (WSS) varied significantly with posture.
• Post-HIIT, CCA diameter, PSV, and WSS increased, while EDV and ICA/CCA PSV ratio decreased.
• Significant side-to-side differences were noted, predominantly in the left carotid artery.

Conclusions:

• Daily activities, including postural changes and exercise, induce significant hemodynamic and geometric alterations in the carotid bifurcation.
• These dynamic changes may contribute to the initiation and progression of carotid atherosclerosis.
• Observed side differences highlight the need for careful clinical consideration in patient assessment.