Evaluation of Carotid Intima-Media Thickness by Ultrasonography in Patients Presenting with Primary and Secondary Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract

Background and Introduction: Carotid Intima-Media Thickness (CIMT) is an established non-invasive indicator for early detection of atherosclerosis. By using carotid artery hemodynamics and CIMT measurement to distinguish between primary and secondary cardiovascular disease (CVD), risk assessment and therapy may be improved.
Materials and Method: A total of 100 participants were enrolled, including 50 patients with primary CVD and 50 with secondary CVD. This cross-sectional study was conducted at Fatima Medical Complex, Rahim Yar Khan. Carotid IMT and blood flow velocities were measured bilaterally. Independent samples t-tests were used to compare the groups.
Results: A total of hundred patients were comprised, and a comparative analysis of the right and left intima-media thickness, velocities and ICA/CCA ratios were demonstrated. The participants' average age was 58.45 ± 12.37 years, and 70% of them were men. Patients with secondary CVD had considerably greater right and left carotid IMTs than those with primary CVD (p < 0.001). Patients with secondary CVD had significantly reduced blood flow velocities in both the left and right common carotid arteries (p < 0.001). Nevertheless, there were no statistically significant differences between the two groups according to the ICA/CCA ratios.
Conclusion: Significantly elevated carotid IMT and decreased carotid artery blood flow velocities are associated with secondary CVD, suggesting more advanced vascular pathology. While ICA/CCA ratios may not be very useful in distinguishing between different phases of the disease, carotid ultrasonography is a useful, non-invasive method for determining the severity of the condition.