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GIUSEPPE MULE'

Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness and non valvular atrial fibrillation type

  • Authors: Proietti, M.; Calvieri, C.; Malatino, L.; Signorelli, S.; Corazza, G.; Perticone, F.; Vestri, A.; Loffredo, L.; Davì, G.; Violi, F.; Basili, ARAPACIS study group; Cerasola, G; Mule', G..)
  • Publication year: 2015
  • Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
  • Key words: Carotid intima-media thickness; Paroxysmal non valvular atrial fibrillation; Persistent/permanent non valvular atrial fibrillation; Subclinical atherosclerosis; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ankle Brachial Index; Asymptomatic Diseases; Atrial Fibrillation; Carotid Artery Diseases; Carotid Artery, Common; Chi-Square Distribution; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Italy; Linear Models; Logistic Models; Male; Middle Aged; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Registries; Risk Factors; Carotid Intima-Media Thickness; Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine; Medicine (all)
  • OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/179914

Abstract

Objective: Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) is a surrogate marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and it is able to predict both coronary and cerebral vascular events. No data exist on the association between cIMT and non valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) type. We conduct this study with the aim to analyze the association between abnormal cIMT and NVAF type. Methods: A cross-sectional study of the "Atrial fibrillation Registry for Ankle-brachial index Prevalence Assessment-Collaborative Italian Study (ARAPACIS)" has been performed. Among 2027 patients enrolled in the ARAPACIS, 673 patients, who underwent carotid ultrasound examination to assess cIMT, were included in the study. Results: Among the entire population, 478 patients (71%) had cIMT>0.90mm. Patients with an abnormal cIMT (>0.90mm) were significantly older and more likely hypertensive, diabetic and with a previous history of stroke than those with normal cIMT (≤0.90mm). These patients had more permanent/persistent NVAF and CHA2DS2-VASc score ≥ 2 (p<0.0001) compared to those with cIMT <0.90mm. Excluding all patients affected by previous cardiovascular disease, logistic regression analysis showed that independent predictors of abnormal cIMT were: age class 65-74 yrs. (p<0.001), age class ≥75 yrs. (p<0.001), arterial hypertension (p<0.001), calcium-channel blockers use (p<0.001) and persistent/permanent NVAF (p=0.001). Conclusion: Our findings show a high prevalence of abnormal cIMT in NVAF patients, reinforcing the concept that NVAF and systemic atherosclerosis are closely associated. Abnormal cIMT was particularly evident in persistent/permanent NVAF suggesting a more elevated atherosclerotic burden in patients with long-standing NVAF.