Study of correlation between intima-media thickness in carotid artery and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertensive patients

Objective:To explore the correlation between intima-media thickness(IMT) in carotid artery and left ventricular hypertrophy in essential hypertensive(EH) patients.Method:Carotid and cardiac ultrasonography were performed on 60 patients with EH and 20 control subjects.Left ventricular mass index(LVMI),IMT and plaque were respectively measured.According to the left ventricular mass index,EH patients were divided into LVMI normal group and LVMI increased group.Result:Compared with the control group,the IMT in carotid artery increased and the prevalence of carotid plaque was higher in EH patients and highest in LVMI increased group.Conclusion:IMT in carotid artery can increase in EH patients and IMT is related to left ventricular hypertrophy.Ultrasonography may be considered as sensitive index of vascular disease.