Changes of arteriosclerosis of carotid artery in patients with hypertention combining type 2 diabetes mellitus and effects of Atorvastatin

[Objectives] To explore the relationship between arteriosclerosis of carotid artery and high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in patients with hypertention combining type 2 diabetes mellitus and effects of Atorvastatin. [Methods] 62 hypertention patients combing type 2 diabetes mellitus (A group) and 42 essential hypertention patients (B group) were given the regular treatment of controlling blood sugar, pressure and reducing the formation of foam cell, A group were given Atorvastatin of 10mg every night. Above all, not only hs-CRP, Lipoproteins (a) [LP (a)], total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), glucosyleted hemoglubulin-A1c (HbA1c) were detected but also carotid intima-medial thickness (IMT), calculus of carotid plaque and the prevalence rate of carotid plaque were measured by ultrasound before the treatment and 6 months after it. [Results] Before the treatment hs-CRP in group A were obviously higher than that of group B as (8.78±1.59) mg/L and (6.34±1.43) mg/L, respectively (P 0.01). IMT, calculus of carotid plaque and the prevalence rate of carotid plaque in group A were also much higher than that of group B before the treatment. Still, hs-CRP, IMT, calculus of carotid plaque and the prevalence rate of carotid plaque were all reduced after the Atorvastatin treatment from (8.78±1.59) mg/L, (1.24±0.13) mm, 82.3%, (6.23±0.57) mm to (6.19±1.30) mg/L, (0.98±0.19) mm, 69.5%, (5.07±0.42) mm and respectively (P 0.01). Some related analysis indicated that direct the hs-CRP, LP (a) was in direct proportion to IMT, calculus of carotid plaque and the prevalence rate of carotid plaque. [Conclusions] The patients with hypertention combining type 2 diabetes mellitus were more serious in level the of carotid arteriosclerosis and inflammatory reaction. Atorvastatin could lower the level of carotid arteriosclerosis and inflammatory reaction and promote stabilization of atherosclerotic plaque. The hs-CRP may lead to atherosclerosis of arteries.