Comparison of Carotid Artery Intima-media Thickness and Resistive Index by Ultrasound and Colour Doppler in Pre-hypertensives and Stage One Hypertensives

Abstract

Introduction: Pre-hypertension and stage one hypertension remains major public health problem in both developed and developing countries. It primarily affects elastic arteries, hence common carotid artery Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) and Resistive Index (RI) considered an early predictor of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular complications. Aim: This study was aimed to assess common carotid artery IMT and Resistive Index in pre-hypertensives and stage one hypertensive patients and to compare the findings between both groups. Materials and Methods: The study design was hospital based cross sectional study and was conducted in Sri Manakula Vinayagar Medical College and Hospital, Pondicherry. Forty non diabetic patients in the age group of 25-65 years were examined for carotid artery Doppler. The patients were divided into prehypertensives and stage I hypertensives. Bilateral common carotid artery IMT and RI were evaluated. Results: Among the 40 patients studied, 24 patients were prehypertensives and 16 were stage I hypertensives, 70% were females and 30% were males. Palpitation was the commonest presenting symptom. Mean Systolic blood pressure was 128.25±4.66 in prehypertensives and 141.25±6.44 in stage I hypertensives. The mean IMT in both prehypertensives and stage I hypertensives was 0.06±0.01 on either side. Mean Resistive Index in prehypertensives was 0.73±0.08 on either side; while that in stage I hypertensives was 0.72±0.13 on right and 0.71±0.11 on left. However, no rise in IMT was observed with increasing age in both the groups. On comparison both the groups showed no significant difference in IMT and RI. Conclusion: To conclude, both the prehypertensives and stage I hypertensives show similar pattern of IMT and RI of the common carotid artery.

Keywords

• palpitation
• pourcelot index
• vascular resistance