Abstract Background Atherosclerotic disease is a relevant cause of morbidity and mortality in the general population, and it is important to detect factors that can influence its prevention. Objective To evaluate the association of cardiovascular risk factors with carotid plaques in participants of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) – Brazil. Methods A total of 1,953 participants were assessed for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, obesity, smoking and physical inactivity) and sociodemographic variables […]

To the Editor, We carefully read the article entitled: “The relationship between the uric acid/albumin ratio and the carotid intima-media thickness in patients with hypertension“, whose objective was to investigate the association of the uric acid/albumin ratio (UAR) and carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in hypertensive patients. Although the present study demonstrated a significant correlation between UAR and CIMT, with UAR showing greater discriminatory capacity for increased CIMT values than uric acid and albumin alone and than the other inflammatory markers […]

Abstract Background Hypertension causes subendothelial inflammation and dysfunction in resulting atherosclerosis. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is a useful marker of endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. The uric acid to albumin ratio (UAR) has emerged as a novel marker for predicting cardiovascular events. Objective We aimed to investigate the association of UAR with CIMT in hypertensive patients. Methods Two hundred sixteen consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent carotid ultrasonography to classify low (CIMT < 0.9 mm) [...]

Abstract Background Patients with prediabetes have an increased risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; therefore, early detection is important. Objective The present study aimed to reveal the usability of serum endocan levels as a biomarker in the diagnosis of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with prediabetes, based on CIMT measurements. Methods Participants were classified according to the presence (n=42) or absence (n=42) of prediabetes. Serum endocan, fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) values of patients were examined, and CIMT […]

Abstract Background Abdominal aortic intima media thickness (A-IMT) may be an early marker of subclinical atherosclerosis and an objective indicator of increased oxidative stress in beta-thalassemia minor patients. Objective To evaluate whether aortic and carotid IMTs change with oxidative stress and to assess the relationship between these parameters in beta-thalassemia minor patients. Methods The study included 80 patients diagnosed with beta-thalassemia minor, and 50 healthy individuals with similar age and gender. After routine procedures, blood samples were collected from the […]

Abstract Background Patients with HIV are more likely to present with cardiovascular disease when compared to the general population. Objective This was a case-control study that aimed to assess which factors were associated with a reduction in the carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and an increase in the brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) in HIV patients who received atorvastatin + aspirin during a period of 6 months. Methods A secondary analysis of a clinical trial was conducted, which included people living […]

Abstract Background Arterial hypertension (HTA) represents a major risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. It is not yet known which specific molecular mechanisms are associated with the development of essential hypertension. Objective In this study, we analyzed the association between LRP1 monocyte mRNA expression, LRP1 protein expression, and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) of patients with essential hypertension. Methods The LRP1 monocyte mRNA expression and protein levels and cIMT were quantified in 200 Mexican subjects, 91 normotensive (NT) and […]

Background: Abdominal adiposity is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Objective: To determine the magnitude of the association between abdominal adiposity, according to five different indicators, and the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). Methods: Data from 8,449 participants aged 35 to 74 years from the ELSA-Brazil study were used. The effect of waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), conicity index (C index), lipid accumulation product (LAP) and visceral adiposity index (VAI) on CIMT were evaluated. Data were stratified by gender and […]