Dependence of local carotid arterial stiffness on the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid basin in hypertensive patients

Aim. To evaluate the viscoelastic properties of the common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with stage II hypertension (HTN) and to compare these indicators between groups with and without carotid artery (CA) stenosis <50 %. Materials and methods. The study included 48 patients with stage II HTN, mean age - 55.9 years, 45.8 % men. Basic anthropometric data, laboratory parameters of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, creatinine, quality intima-media thickness (QIMT), local stiffness indicators: artery diameter, distensibility, distensibility coefficient (DC), compliance coefficient (CC), stiffness indices alpha, 13, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), pressure and augmentation index (using RF-QIMT, RF-QAS technologies) were studied. Statistical analysis was performed, p values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. CA atheromas with stenosis up to 50 % were found in 48 % of the examined, they were older with higher parameters of vessel diameter by 4.6 %, QIMT - by 12.5 %, alpha index - by 28.0 %, 13 index - by 27.7 %, and PWV - by 14.7 %. A medium -strength positive correlation has been revealed for age, QIMT, HDL, creatinine level and local stiffness parameters (distensibility, CC, PWV, indices alpha, 13). The atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) presence in the CA was associated with the limit levels of the left CCA QIMT over 698 mu m (sensitivity 65.2 %, specificity 86.6 %, p < 0.01), of the right - over 598 mu m (sensitivity 73.9 %, specificity 66.6 %, p < 0.01). However, a greater dependence on age than on the presence of atheroma has been proven. At the same time, the odds ratio of the ASP presence was 2.99 -fold higher (p = 0.0065) with an increase in the CCA diameter of more than 7.94 mm, and in the multivariate model incorporating age - 2.6 -fold higher (p = 0.036), while age has not impacted significantly (p = 0.301) the prognosis. Conclusions. In individuals with stage II HTN, the presence of CA atherosclerosis with stenosis up to 50 % is associated with a signifi cant increase in vessel diameter regardless of age. CCA intima media thickness depends more on the age of hypertensive patients.