Vascular Endothelial Function, Carotid Intima-Media Thickness and Coronary Artery Calcification in Women

Background: Atherosclerosis is a degenerative-proliferative disease that leads to lesions primarily in the tunica intima and media of the arteries. Atherosclerotic plaques undergo progressive calcification, and the hydroxyapatite deposited within them absorbs X-rays. The coronary artery calcification score (CAC-score) can be assessed using computed tomography. Intima-media thickness (IMT) and endothelial function, evaluated by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery, can be measured using ultrasound. This study aimed to assess the relationship between CAC-score, atherosclerosis risk factors, IMT, and FMD in women, with particular emphasis on the comparison of IMT measurement sites. Methods: The study included 124 women divided into three groups based on CAC-score. The following parameters were evaluated: risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), FMD, and IMT. CAD risk factors included age, BMI, smoking status, hypertension, diabetes, and lipid disorders, which were obtained from medical history. Results: A significant positive correlation was observed between CAC-score and IMT of the common carotid artery in women. IMT measured at the carotid bifurcation showed the strongest correlation with CAC-score. No correlation was found between CAC-score and endothelial dysfunction assessed by FMD. Conclusions: IMT, particularly when measured at the carotid bifurcation, was associated with CAC-score in women without diagnosed CAD, whereas no association was observed between FMD and CAC-score in this population.