Dependency between local carotid arterial stiffness and the presence of atherosclerotic plaque in the carotid basin in hypertensive patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Aim. To assess the impact of atherosclerotic plaque (ASP) on the local arterial stiffness of the common carotid arteries (CCA) in patients with stage II hypertension (HTN) in combination with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and methods. The study included 37 patients with stage II HTN and T2DM (mean age 60.4 ± 10.7; 66.7 % male). Patients were divided into two groups: 20 individuals with ASP and 6.35 mmol/l (p = 0.036) and independent of age and sex. A greater left CCA diameter of more than 8.59 mm (p 6.35 mmol/l (p = 0.031) and it is also unaffected by age and sex. Conclusions. In individuals with stage II HTN and T2DM, the presence of CA atherosclerosis with stenosis up to 50 % is associated with a significantly increased CCA and ascending aorta diameter, a decreased percentage of AT, and an increased compliance coefficient of plaque-free wall segments.

Keywords

• diabetes mellitus
• hypertension
• arterial stiffness
• atherosclerotic plaque