Co-prevalence of carotid stenosis and coronary artery disease in Chinese patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation

Objectives: To investigate the co-prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and carotid stenosis and to determine predictors related to CAD in Chinese patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF), presenting without previously diagnosed or excluded CAD. Methods: Consecutive patients with PAF were recruited. CAD was evaluated using multislice computed tomography. Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery was evaluated via ultrasonography. Results: A total of 62/192 (32.3%) patients had CAD. Carotid stenosis was observed in 26/192 (13.5%) patients. The co-prevalence of carotid stenosis and CAD was 7.8% (15/192). The prevalence of carotid stenosis was 8.5%, 16.7%, 25.0%, and 41.7% in patients with zero-, one-, two-, and three-vessel CAD, respectively. Diabetes mellitus, maximal IMT and hyperhomocysteinaemia were independently related to the presence of CAD. Conclusions: The prevalence of CAD was 32.3% in Chinese patients with PAF. Carotid stenosis and CAD co-occurred in 7.8% of patients, and the prevalence of carotid stenosis correlated with the severity of CAD. Screening of carotid stenosis is recommended, especially in patients with PAF and multivessel CAD.