Correlation of Carotid intima media thickness and severity of coronary artery disease.

Abstract

Background: Carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) is widely recognized as a marker for subclinical atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between CIMT and coronary artery disease (CAD), focusing on its potential as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for CAD severity.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 125 participants, comprising 77 CAD patients and 48 age- and gender-matched healthy controls, based on the absence of clinical or angiographic evidence of CAD. Demographic data, comorbidities, lipid profiles, ejection fraction, and CIMT measurements were recorded. CIMT was assessed using high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography, with measurements taken from both the right and left common carotid arteries.

Results: CAD patients had a significantly higher mean age than healthy controls (57.55 vs. 52.92 years, p = 0.014) and a greater male prevalence (83.1% vs. 45.8%, p < 0.001). CIMT measurements were notably higher in CAD patients (right CIMT: 1.282 mm; left CIMT: 1.313 mm) compared to controls (right CIMT: 0.892 mm; left CIMT: 0.864 mm), with p < 0.001. Higher CIMT was linked to more severe CAD, especially in patients with triple- and multi-vessel disease. CAD patients also had elevated lipid levels (total cholesterol: 238.68 mg/dL vs. 195.58 mg/dL, p = 0.002; triglycerides: 222.67 mg/dL vs. 171.40 mg/dL, p < 0.001) and a lower ejection fraction (50.03% vs. 54.29%, p = 0.011).

Conclusions: Increased CIMT is strongly linked to CAD presence and severity, highlighting its potential as a non-invasive, cost-effective tool for early detection and risk assessment, especially where angiography is unavailable.

Keywords: Coronary artery disease, carotid artery intima-media thickness, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular risk, non-invasive diagnostic tool, lipid profiles, ejection fraction, CAD severity.