open access
Distensibility coefficient (DC) and intima-media thickness (IMT) as the parameters of the subclinical development of atherosclerosis
open access
Abstract
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.
Abstract
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.
Keywords
distensibility coefficient; IMT; atherosclerosis; carotid arteries


Title
Distensibility coefficient (DC) and intima-media thickness (IMT) as the parameters of the subclinical development of atherosclerosis
Journal
Chirurgia Polska (Polish Surgery)
Issue
Pages
51-60
Published online
2010-03-24
Bibliographic record
Chirurgia Polska 2009;11(2):51-60.
Keywords
distensibility coefficient
IMT
atherosclerosis
carotid arteries
Authors
Tomasz Urbanek
Damian Ziaja
Anna Janowska
Łukasz Rodak
Aleksander Czajka
Krzysztof Ziaja