Background: Arterial distensibility results from the influence of hemodynamic factors and the elasticity of the arterial wall. Distensibility coefficient (DC) is the parameter used to evaluate the properties which result from pulse pressure and the difference between the systolic and diastolic diameter of the artery. IMT (intima-media thickness) is defined as the thickness of the complex of the intimal and medial tunica of an artery. The aim of study was to assess the value of the examination of the common carotid arteries’ DC and IMT as parameters of the subclinical development of atherosclerosis in a group of young adults.
Material and methods: The study was performed on 52 healthy young volunteers (28 females and 24 males), aged 25 ± 4 years, mean age 24.11 years. IMT and DC measurement was performed using ultrasound imaging of the common carotid arteries. The results obtained were correlated with selected cardiovascular disease risk factors.
Results: The mean values were obtained for the study subjects: IMT = 0.537 mm (min. = 0.433 mm, max. = 0.667 mm); distensibility coefficient DC = 58.347 (min. = 38.747, max. = 80.62). There were significant correlations between DC values and WHR (Waist-Hip Ratio), the risk of cardiovascular diseases which was estimated based on Michigan Heart Society Score and gender. There were also significant correlations between IMT values and body mass index (BMI) and a family history of cardiovascular diseases. There was no significant correlation between DC and IMT values.
Conclusions: An ultrasonographic examination of the common carotid arteries and measurement of DC and IMT, which is a non-invasive, cheap and widely available method, was able to facilitate a diagnosis of the subclinical development of atherosclerosis, especially in the young adult group. The prognostic value of the observed changes, as well as correlations between them and cardiovascular complications, should be verified through a long-term follow-up.