The Relationship between Carotid Atherosclerosis and Degrees of Coronary Artery Stenosis

Aim To study the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and degrees of coronary artery stenosis. Methods 200 patients with chest pain of various reasons were examined by standard Judkins' selected coronary angiography, meanwhile, they also accepted carotid artery digital subtraction angiography and carotid artery ultrasound. According to the results of coronary angiography, all the patients were divided into two groups: coronary heart disease (CHD) group and non-CHD group (normal group). According to the diameter of coronary artery, the CHD group was divided into three subgroups again. Results Coronary artery stenosis was significantly correlated to carotid atherosclerosis. The incidence of plaques in the carotid arteries was obviously increased, aggravating with coronary artery stenosis. Carotid atherosclerosis had a linear positive correlation with coronary artery stenosis. Although the incidence of carotid artery stenosis was lower than that of coronary artery, carotid artery stenosis was aggravating with the degree exacerbation of coronary artery stenosis. Conclusions Carotid atherosclerosis is close related to coronary artery stenosis. Ultrasonography of carotid artery could be used as a routine method to detect and screen high-risk patients with cardiac and cerebral vascular disease in population of over middle aged in early stage.