The Relationship between Coronary Artery Calcification as Assessed by Multi-Detector Computed Tomography and Arterial Stiffness

Pulse wave analysis and intima-media thickness (IMT) of carotid artery are the non-invasive indicators of subclinical atherosclerosis. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) score measured by multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) is well known as a predictor of coronary heart disease (CHD). We investigated the association between coronary calcification assessed by MDCT and extracoronary atherosclerosis measured by pulse wave analysis and IMT of carotid artery. Arterial stiffness and carotid IMT were measured consecutively in 133 patients who underwent their first coronary MDCT angiography due to chest pain. Patients were divided into three groups according to the CAC score (group 1, score = 0, n = 62; group 2, 0 < score < 400, n = 58; group 3, score ≥ 400, n = 13). The classification of CAC score was associated with age, prevalence of hypertension and dyslipidemia, systolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity, percentage of brachial mean artery pressure, upstroke time (UT), augmentation index, and carotid IMT. In a multivariate analysis, age (P = .048), hypertension (P = .007), dyslipidemia (P = .24), and mean ankle UT (P = .038) were independent variables for the classification of CAC score. The UT of pulse wave was significantly associated with the CAC score. The increased UT of pulse wave might provide incremental risk prediction in addition to that defined by conventional CHD risk assessment.     

Measurement of pulse wave velocity: site matters

BACKGROUND: Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) predicts mortality from cardiovascular disease, ischaemic heart disease and stroke. However, a comparison of associations between PWV measured at different sites and atherosclerosis in coronary, carotid and femoral arteries has not been made. METHODS: In 159 men (ages 45-82 years) with and without known coronary artery disease, PWV measurements were made between carotid-femoral, carotid-radial and femoral-posterior tibial sites, using an ultrasound technique. Coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores were measured by multislice computed tomography. Carotid and femoral intima-media thickness (IMT) and presence of plaque were determined by ultrasound. Known coronary artery disease was confirmed by angiography. Participants were grouped into four categories of CAC score: 0-10, 11-100, 101-400, > 400 Hounsfield Units (HU). Measurements of blood pressure, heart rate and fasting bloods were made in all individuals. RESULTS: Carotid-femoral PWV correlated positively with CAC score and increased with incremental coronary calcification category (median carotid-femoral PWV 16.8 m/s in those with CAC score > 400 HU and 13.8 m/s in those with CAC score < 10 HU; P = 0.003). Carotid-femoral PWV also correlated with carotid and femoral IMT (P < 0.001, P = 0.004, respectively) and with carotid and femoral plaque (P = 0.001, P = 0.038, respectively). Increased carotid-femoral PWV also correlated with increasing age (P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure (P < 0.001), mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure (P < 0.001). Carotid-radial and femoral-posterior tibial PWV were not significantly associated with CAC score, carotid or femoral IMT or carotid plaque. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid-femoral PWV is a better indicator of atherosclerosis than either carotid-radial or femoral-posterior tibial PWV, and should be used preferentially in studies of atherosclerosis and in stratifying risk in clinical settings.     

冠状动脉钙化积分相关临床因素分析

目的 评价冠状动脉(冠脉)钙化积分(CACS)的相关因素.方法 入选疑诊冠心病的患者141例,3个月内完成多层螺旋CT、脉搏波传导速度(PWV)、超声心动图及血生化检查,MDRD方程计算患者入院时估算肾小球滤过率(eGFR).根据冠脉钙化程度将病例分为3组:A组(CACS=0～10),B组(CACS=11～400),C组(CACS>400).结果 3组比较年龄、高血压病史、糖尿病史、二尖瓣钙化、主动脉瓣钙化、两侧臂踝指数低值、臂到踝的PWV高值、臂及踝平均动脉压高值、波形上升支时间高值差异均有统计学意义(P值均<0.05).多因素logistic回归分析显示:主动脉瓣钙化(P=0.000)、二尖瓣钙化(P=0.002)、波形上升支时间高值(P=0.009)和糖尿病(P=0.032)是严重冠脉钙化的独立相关因素.结论 疑诊冠心病的患者行多层螺旋CT检查前可行PWV和超声心动图检查,结合病史评估患者冠脉钙化的可能性及严重程度.     

Comparative performance of subclinical atherosclerosis tests in predicting coronary heart disease in asymptomatic individuals.

The prognostic performance of subclinical atherosclerosis in predicting coronary heart disease (CHD) needs to be clarified because of the existence of many non-invasive tests available for its detection in the clinical setting: ultrasound measurement of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque, cardiac computed tomography assessment of coronary artery calcium, Doppler stethoscope measurement of ankle-arm index pressure (AAI), and mechanographic or Doppler determination of aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV). Data analysis of the main prospective studies in asymptomatic populations allows the establishment of a dose-response relationship between subclinical atherosclerosis burden and cumulative incidence of future CHD event (absolute risk). Negative subclinical atherosclerosis testing conveys a low 10-year CHD risk inferior to 10% whatever the test considered, i.e. IMT less than the 1st tertile or 1st quintile, AAI > or = 0.90, PWV less than the first tertile, no discernible carotid plaque, or zero coronary calcium score. Positive testing for IMT (>95th percentile or 5th quintile), AAI (<0.90), or PWV (>3rd tertile) conveys a moderately high 10-year CHD risk between 10 and 20%. Positive testing for carotid plaque (focal protrusion >1.5 mm or mineralization) or coronary calcium (total score >300 or 400 units) conveys a high 10-year CHD risk superior to 20%. Therefore, positive subclinical atherosclerosis measurement seems to have its place in the context of existing prediction models, namely for intermediate risk classification. It also remains to be established whether individuals with negative subclinical atherosclerosis may be considered at low CHD risk and receive conservative management.     

冠心病患者冠状动脉粥样硬化程度与颈动脉粥样硬化的相关性研究

目的 探讨冠心病患者颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉硬化程度之间的关系.方法 选取2012年1月至2013年6月河北大学附属医院心内科治疗的冠心病患者350例,依据冠状动脉造影结果将患者分为冠心病组和非冠心病组,其中冠心病组260例,非冠心病组90例;依据造影结果将冠心病组患者进行再次分组,其中单支病变组113例,双支病变组89例,三支病变组58例.比较冠心病组及非冠心病组间及不同冠状动脉病变支数三组间的颈动脉内-中膜厚度（IMT）、斑块积分及Gensini评分;统计分析冠状动脉病变支数与以上观察指标的相关性.结果 冠心病组的颈动脉IMT、斑块积分、Gensini积分分别为（1.37±0.23）、（5.37±3.98）、（23.32±7.33）,均高于非冠心病组,两组间比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.双支病变组和三支病变组的斑块检出率为79.8％和81.0％,双支病变组及三支病变组患者颈动脉IMT分别为（1.31±0.21）mm和（1.37±0.27）mm,双支病变组和三支病变组患者的斑块检出率与颈动脉IMT值均高于单支病变组,三组间比较差异有统计学意义（P＜0.05）.冠状动脉病变支数与IMT、颈动脉斑块积分呈显著正相关;Gensini评分与IMT及颈动脉斑块积分呈显著正相关.结论 冠状动脉的粥样硬化程度随着患者的颈动脉粥样硬化程度的升高而加重,冠心病的严重程度可以通过颈动脉超声检测反映出来.     

颈动脉内中膜厚度及斑块与冠心病的相关性

目的探讨颈动脉内中膜厚度(IMT)及斑块与冠状动脉造影(CAG)结果的相关性,了解IMT在预测冠心病方面的价值。方法研究对象116名经CAG分为冠心病组和非冠心病组,超声观察颈动脉IMT及有无斑块形成并与CAG结果比较。结果非冠心病组与冠心病组比较患者颈动脉IMT、斑块指数均存在显著性差异(P<0．01),颈动脉IMT与冠状动脉狭窄程度呈正相关(r= 0．634,P<0．01)。颈动脉IMT对冠心病诊断有较高的敏感性及特异性。结论颈动脉超声可能是冠心病诊断的一项重要的辅助检查手段。     

Coronary artery calcium versus intima-media thickness as a measure of cardiovascular disease among asymptomatic adults (from the Rancho Bernardo Study)

Detection and quantification of subclinical coronary heart disease by noninvasive imaging techniques offers the potential for earlier diagnosis with targeted prevention and therapy. This study, designed to determine the extent to which carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) predicts coronary artery calcium (CAC) in asymptomatic older adults, included 141 men and 137 women > or =55 years of age with no previous coronary heart disease who had B-mode ultrasound of the common and/or internal carotid arteries in 1997 to 1999 to measure IMT and electron beam computed tomographic scanning in 2001 to 2002 to measure CAC score. Overall, 29% of participants had a severe plaque burden (CAC score >400); 50% of these had a CAC score >800. IMT of the common and internal carotid arteries was significantly associated with the CAC score measured an average of 3 years later. The ability to correctly identify subjects with a severe CAC score (sensitivity) was 50% to 60% for an IMT of the internal or common carotid artery > 80th percentile (internal carotid IMT > or =1.9 mm and common carotid IMT > or =1.04 mm). Specificity, the ability to correctly identify those who did not have a severe CAC score (> or =400), was approximately 75%. In conclusion, IMT of the carotid arteries predicted the severity of CAC burden an average of 3 years later in community-dwelling asymptomatic older adults.     

Serum uric acid: a marker of metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis in Korean men

Serum uric acid (SUA) is a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis. We assessed the relationship between SUA and subclinical atherosclerosis in Korean men (n = 3010). Multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) and ultrasonographic measurements of coronary artery calcification (CAC) and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), respectively, are markers of subclinical atherosclerosis. Odds ratios (ORs) of CAC score and cIMT across SUA levels were 1.101 (P = .046) and 1.266 (P = .002), respectively, after adjustment for several variables. The independent association between CAC and cIMT was observed (OR = 1.231, P < .001). Serum uric acid was independently associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) with an OR of 1.415 (P < .001). Metabolic syndrome was only independently associated with cIMT, with an OR of 2.103 (P = .003). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein was positively correlated with SUA (r = .125, P < .001). Serum uric acid level is independently associated with CAC, cIMT, and MetS in Korean men.     

冠心病病人冠状动脉与颈动脉粥样硬化相关分析

目的 探讨冠心病病人颈动脉与冠状动脉粥样硬化的关系。方法 冠心病病人122例，经冠状动脉造影确诊，用颈动脉超声检测颈动脉内膜-中膜厚度（intima-media thickness，IMT）及粥样硬化程度。结果 病人病变冠状动脉支数分组间，IMT、颈动脉斑块积分和斑块发生率的差异有统计学意义。冠状动脉病变支数与IMT相关（r=0.73），与颈动脉斑块积分相关（r=0.67）。冠状动脉造影积分与IMT相关（r=0.69），与颈动脉斑块积分相关（r=0.68）。结论 冠心病病人颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉粥样硬化呈正相关，颈动脉病变可间接反映冠状动脉粥样硬化病变程度。     

Clinical significance of the coronary calcification score by multidetector row computed tomography for the evaluation of coronary stenosis in Japanese patients.

BACKGROUND: The coronary artery calcification (CAC) score measured by multidetector row computed tomography (MDCT) has emerged as a marker for predicting coronary artery disease (CAD). To evaluate the clinical significance of the CAC score, coronary artery stenosis as assessed by coronary angiography (CAG) was compared with the CAC score determined by MDCT, risk factors and medications. METHODS AND RESULTS: Subjects included 374 consecutive patients who underwent ECG-gate CT angiography using MDCT. The accuracy in patients with a CAC score >or=400 was 84%, and significantly lower than that in patients with a CAC score =0. In addition 92 patients (68 males, 24 females; mean age, 63+/-11 years) who underwent both MDCT and CAG within a 1-month period were selected for further investigation. Patients with significant coronary stenosis had a significantly higher CAC score than those without stenosis. In addition, a higher number of stenosed vessels was associated with a higher CAC score. The subjects were divided into 3 groups according to the CAC score: low (0-12), intermediate (13-444) and high (>or=445). The CAC score was significantly associated with age, and plasma levels of total cholesterol and hemoglobinA1c, and logistic regression analysis revealed that significant coronary stenosis as assessed by CAG was most closely correlated with the CAC score (p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The CAC score determined by MDCT can predict CAD independent of other factors, such as age, metabolic diseases and medications, when coronary stenosis can not be diagnosed because of severe calcification.     

外周动脉粥样硬化与冠心病的相关性研究

目的探讨外周动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉粥样硬化的关系及预测价值。方法对74例可疑冠心病患者行冠状动脉造影,其中确诊冠心病57例,正常17例。同时进行颈动脉、股动脉超声检查,对各动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)、粥样硬化斑块及心血管危险因素同冠状动脉造影结果进行统计分析。依据修正的Gensin评分系统将冠状动脉积分,并以积分的大小进行等级评分,同时对外周动脉斑块对冠脉的预测价值、外周动脉IMT与冠脉积分的对数值进行相关性分析、冠心病组和正常组的危险因素之间进行统计分析。结果冠脉造影阳性组CA、FA的IMT和粥样硬化斑块发生率高于阴性组(P<0.05),颈动脉、股动脉粥样硬化对冠心病的阳性预测值分别为59.4%和53.1%,两处为阳性的阳性预测值是71.9%。颈动脉IMT与冠心病的log(Gensin评分)之间相关系数为0.891,股动脉IMT与冠心病的(Gensin评分)之间相关系数为0.75。结论外周动脉的粥样硬化是冠心病的相关因素,可作为研究冠状动脉粥样硬化的间接指标和窗口。     

Eosinophil count is positively correlated with coronary artery calcification

Recent studies suggested that allergic disorders and increased eosinophil count were associated with atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between eosinophil count and coronary artery calcification (CAC). We performed a cross-sectional study in 1363 consecutive participants with clinical suspicion of coronary heart disease (CHD). We evaluated the relationships between CAC score determined by multislice CT and peripheral eosinophil count as well as major cardiovascular risk factors, including age, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus (DM), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Sex (P=0.0004), hypertension (P=0.0002), dyslipidemia (P=0.0004) and DM (P=0.0061) were associated with log(CAC+1), respectively. Positive correlations were found between log(CAC+1), and age (r=0.325, P<0.0001) and eosinophil count (r=0.165, P<0.0001). Negative correlations were found between log(CAC+1) and eGFR (r=-0.166, P<0.0001). Multivariate linear regression analysis demonstrated that age (β=0.314, P<0.0001), sex (β=0.124, P<0.0001), hypertension (β=0.084, P=0.0008), DM (β=0.108, P<0.0001), eGFR (β=-0.079, P=0.0021) and eosinophil count (β=0.147, P<0.0001) were independent determinants of log(CAC+1). In conclusion, eosinophil count correlated positively with CAC in participants with clinical suspicion of CHD.     

Heart Disease Risk Factors in Midlife Predict Subclinical Coronary Atherosclerosis More than 25 Years Later in Survivors without Clinical Heart Disease: The Rancho Bernardo Study

OBJECTIVES: To determine which of the classic modifiable coronary heart disease (CHD) risk factors, measured in midlife, are associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in older age.
DESIGN: Prospective study.
SETTING: Community based.
PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 400 community-dwelling middle-aged adults who had no history of CHD at baseline (1972–1974), when CHD risk factors were measured, and who were still free of known CHD in 2000 to 2002.
MEASUREMENTS: Coronary artery plaque burden was assessed according to coronary artery calcium (CAC) score using computed tomography in 2000 to 2002.
RESULTS: Ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to compare baseline risk factors with severity of CAC. Mean age was 42 at baseline and 69 at the time of CAC assessment; 46.5% were male. In analyses adjusted for age, sex, and all other risk factors, one standard deviation increase in body mass index (odds ratio (OR)=1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.02–1.51; P =.03), cholesterol (OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.03–1.58; P =.020, pulse pressure (OR=1.24, 95% CI=1.03–1.50; P =.03), and log triglycerides (OR=1.22, 95% CI=0.99–1.50; P =.06) each independently predicted the presence and severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis.
CONCLUSION: Modifiable risk factors measured more than 25 years earlier influence plaque burden in elderly survivors without clinical heart disease.     

Pulse pressure in normotensives: a marker of cardiovascular disease

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the relation of the systemic arterial pulse pressure and other parameters derived from the 24-h arterial blood pressure (BP) monitoring to the severity of coronary artery disease, carotid lesions, and left ventricular (LV) mass index in patients without arterial hypertension. One hundred ten patients with known coronary artery disease underwent coronary arteriography, 24-h arterial BP monitoring, and ultrasound imaging of the carotid arteries and the myocardium. Measurements of 24-h arterial BP monitoring (systolic, diastolic, and average BP, pulse pressure, abnormal values of systolic and diastolic BP, and heart rate), the severity of coronary heart disease (Gensini score), intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery and LV mass index were determined in all patients. By univariate analysis, only 24-h pulse pressure was significantly related to the severity of coronary artery disease (P < .01), carotid IMT(P < .01), and LV mass index (P < .01). In a multivariate analysis, 24-h pulse pressure was also the best predictor of the severity of coronary lesions (P = .009), carotid IMT (P = .003), and LV mass index (P = .009). Gensini score was related (P < .01) to LV mass index and not to carotid IMT. In conclusion, systemic arterial pulse pressure derived from 24-h arterial BP monitoring is related to coronary artery disease, carotid IMT, and LV mass index independently of age or any other derivative of 24-h arterial BP monitoring, indicating that this parameter could be a marker of global cardiovascular risk.     

颈动脉多普勒超声与心绞痛患者冠状动脉病变的关系

目的采用彩色多普勒超声仪分析心绞痛患者颈动脉病变,探讨其在冠状动脉病变中的临床诊断价值。方法选择因心绞痛行冠状动脉造影的住院患者328例,根据冠状动脉造影结果分为4组:对照组(80例)、单支病变组(102例)、2支病变组(62例)和多支病变组(84例)。用彩色多普勒超声仪测量颈总动脉内膜中层厚度(intimamediathickness,IMT)及颈动脉分叉处IMT,记录颈动脉斑块的位置、数量。结果与对照组比较,2支病变组分叉处IMT和斑块积分明显增高,多支病变组颈总动脉IMT、分叉处IMT和斑块积分明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05,P0.01)。与对照组比较,多支病变组颈总动脉IMT增厚比例明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);与单支病变组比较,多支病变组颈总动脉IMT增厚比例明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。糖尿病是冠状动脉病变的主要危险因素(OR=2.8,95% CI:1.18～6.63)。结论颈动脉粥样硬化与冠状动脉病变有相关性,采用彩色多普勒超声分析颈动脉病变情况,对冠心病患者具有较好的筛查及预测价值。     

无创性动脉硬化检测技术对冠心病早期诊断价值的评估

目的：探讨无创性动脉硬化指标颈动脉内中膜厚度（IMT）、踝臂指数（ABI）、脉搏波传导速度（PWV）与冠状动脉粥样硬化程度的相关性以及对冠心病的早期预测价值. 方法：随机选择我院进行冠状动脉造影的133例可疑冠心病患者,进行IMT、ABI、PWV检测.用Gensini积分评价冠状动脉病变程度,采用线性相关系数分析Gensini积分与IMT、ABI和PWV的相关性,观察这些无创性动脉硬化指标对冠心病的早期预测价值. 结果：（1） IMT与Gensini积分明显相关（P=0.000）,IMT数值越大Gensini积分越高;ABI和PWV与Gensini积分无相关性.（2）绘制IMT、ABI和PWV预测冠心病的ROC曲线,IMT的曲线下面积为0.815,预测冠心病的灵敏度为62.7％,特异度为92.9％;ABI和PWV对冠心病的预测价值不显著. 结论：无创性动脉硬化指标IMT与冠状动脉粥样硬化的严重程度有明显的相关性,对冠心病有较好的早期预测价值,而ABI和PWV对冠心病无明显早期预测价值.     

Relationship of carotid intima-media thickness, pulse wave velocity, and ankle brachial index to the severity of coronary artery atherosclerosis

BACKGROUND: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and the ankle brachial index (ABI) are widely used noninvasive modalities for evaluating atherosclerosis. HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of carotid IMT, PWV, and ABI with the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD), expressed as the Gensini score, and the presence of coronary risk factors. METHODS: We examined 205 consecutive patients (mean age 65 +/- 12 years) who were clinically suspected of having CAD and were scheduled to undergo coronary angiography. Carotid intima-media thickness, brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV), and ABI were measured in all subjects before they underwent coronary angiography. RESULTS: Of the 205 patients, 124 patients were diagnosed as having CAD based on the presence of >50% stenosis in a major coronary artery; the remaining 81 patients did not have CAD. A relatively good correlation was obtained between carotid IMT and the Gensini score (R = 0.411, p < 0.0001), whereas baPWV correlated only weakly with the Gensini score (R = 0.203, p = 0.0035), and ABI did not correlate with it. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the Gensini score correlated significantly and independently with age, male gender, and carotid IMT. CONCLUSIONS: Of the three noninvasive methods, carotid IMT may be more useful for determining coronary artery atherosclerosis than baPWV or ABI.     

冠心病患者冠状动脉病变血管数与高敏C反应蛋白、颈动脉斑块分级和内皮功能的相关性

目的探讨冠心病患者冠状动脉病变血管数与高敏C反应蛋白(hsCRP)、内皮依赖血管舒张功能、颈动脉内膜中层厚度(IMT)和斑块积分的相关性。方法采用高分辨率血管超声法检测76例冠心病患者与30例非冠心病对照组肱动脉血流介导的内皮依赖性血管舒张功能(FMD)、颈动脉IMT及斑块积分;并检测患者血液中hsCRP水平,对冠心病患者进行冠状动脉造影,根据冠状动脉病变血管数将冠心病患者分为3组:单支病变组、双支病变组及三支病变组。结果冠心病患者的血浆hsCRP显著高于对照组,FMD在冠心病各亚组中明显降低,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05);IMT在冠心病组中明显增厚,与对照组比较差异有统计学意义(均为P<0.05);颈动脉斑块积分在冠心病各亚组间比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。冠心病患者冠状动脉病变血管数与血浆hsCRP及斑块积分呈正相关,与FMD呈负相关。结论血浆hsCRP、FMD及颈动脉斑块积分的检测与冠心病患者冠状动脉病变支数相关。     

Arterial wave reflection is associated with severity of extracoronary atherosclerosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Arterial wave reflection is a major determinant of left ventricular function, coronary perfusion and cardiovascular risk. We investigated whether arterial wave reflection may detect atherosclerosis of peripheral arteries in patients with documented coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS: Radial artery applanation tonometry and pulse wave analysis was performed in 184 patients with documented CAD at coronary angiography; central blood pressures and augmentation index (AI) were measured. Ankle-brachial (ABI) index and intima-media thickness (IMT) were used as indices of atherosclerosis of the lower limbs and the carotid arteries respectively. RESULTS: Patients with abnormal IMT (> 0.7 mm, first tertile) or ABI (< 0.94, first tertile) had higher AI than patients with lower IMT or higher ABI (24 +/- 17 versus 17 +/- 16% and 23 +/- 18 versus 18 +/- 13%, respectively, P < 0.05). In multivariate analysis, increasing AI was associated with age, female gender, heart rate, mean blood pressure, hyperlipidaemia, and use of statins (regression coefficient (beta) = 0.50, beta = 0.15, beta = -0.60, beta = 0.23, beta = 0.16 and beta = -0.14, respectively, P < 0.05). Increasing AI was associated with an adjusted-odds ratio of 1.035 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.005-1.066], P = 0.02 for an abnormal IMT and of 1.08 (95% CI, 1.024-1.146), P = 0.005 for ABI after adjustment for age, gender, heart rate, height, blood pressure, atherosclerotic risk factors, obesity and medication. No relation was found between AI and Gensini score or for the number of diseased coronary vessels. CONCLUSION: Augmentation index is a marker of extensive extracoronary atherosclerosis in patients with CAD.     

Aortic pulse wave velocity is associated with the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium: a community-based study

We investigated the relationship of aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV), a measure of central arterial stiffness, with the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium (CAC) in a community-based sample of adults without prior history of heart attack or stroke (n=401, mean age 59.8 years, 53% men). ECG-gated waveforms of the right carotid and right femoral artery were obtained by applanation tonometry, and aPWV was calculated using established methods. CAC was measured noninvasively by electron beam computed tomography, and CAC score was calculated. aPWV was significantly correlated with log(CAC +1; r=0.41; P<0.0001) and pulse pressure (r=0.47; P<0.0001). Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to identify independent predictors of the presence and quantity of CAC, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, aPWV was associated with the presence of CAC (P=0.011) after adjustment for age, male sex, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, diabetes, history of smoking, systolic blood pressure, body mass index, and use of hypertension and statin medications. In multivariable linear regression analyses, aPWV was significantly associated with log(CAC +1) after adjustment for the covariates enumerated above (P<0.0001). aPWV remained significantly associated with both the presence and quantity of CAC even after the additional adjustment for diastolic blood pressure. We conclude that aPWV is related to subclinical coronary atherosclerosis independent of conventional risk factors (including indices of blood pressure) and may be a biomarker of cardiovascular risk in asymptomatic individuals.