Predicting the Coronary Artery Disease Risk Using the Carotid Artery Ultrasonography

Objective To define the relationship between the carotid artery and the coronary artery using the carotid ultrasonography. Methods The intimal media thickness (IMT) value and grade of plaque in carotid artery were measured by high frequency ultrasound in patients of control group and coronary artery disease group. Results There were significant differences of carotid artery IMT value and the grade of plaque among the control, one vessel stenosis and multi vessel stenosis groups. The sensitivity and specificity predicting the coronary artery atherosclerosis risk by the carotid plaque were 88% and 62%. Among all the clinical coronary atherosclerosis artery disease risk factors, carotidplaque was the most predictive. Conclusion Carotid artery atherosclerotic lesions can predict the existence and severity of the coronary artery atherosclerosis. [