Carotid Artery Size and Heart Events
Author Information
Author(s): Eigenbrodt Marsha L, Sukhija Rishi, Rose Kathryn M, Tracy Richard E, Couper David J, Evans Gregory W, Bursac Zoran, Mehta Jawahar L
Primary Institution: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Hypothesis
Right common carotid artery diameter would be independently associated with cardiac disease and improve risk discrimination.
Conclusion
RCCA diameter is an important correlate of cardiac events, independent of IMT, but adds little to overall risk discrimination after risk factor adjustment.
Supporting Evidence
- RCCA diameter was associated with prevalent myocardial infarction and incident cardiac events.
- Associations persisted after adjustment for risk factors, indicating the importance of RCCA diameter.
- Diameter models had larger AUC than other models in women when adjustment was limited.
Takeaway
The size of a specific artery in your neck can help predict heart problems, but it doesn't give much extra information once other risk factors are considered.
Methodology
Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between RCCA diameter and cardiac events.
Potential Biases
There is a potential for misclassification of outcomes and correlation of vascular measures with risk factors.
Limitations
The study may have misclassification by plaque status and potential correlation of vascular measures and risk factors.
Participant Demographics
The study included a middle-aged, biracial population with a baseline sample size of 11225.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.61–2.49 for women; 95% CI = 1.04–1.30 for men
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website