Pathogenetic predictors of coronary artery disease in patients with cerebral infarction

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients hospitalized for cerebral infarction and to determine the predictors of latent coronary heart disease (latent CHD). METHODS: One hundred and four patients with cerebral infarction without history of CVD underwent coronary angiography. Systematic evaluation was conducted on the basis of the presence of other vascular diseases, CVD risk factors and the degree of atherosclerosis. RESULTS: Thirty nine patients (37.5%) had CHD, 9(8.7%) had carotid artery stenosis, 9(8.7%) had peripheral artery disease of the lower limbs, and 3(2.9%) had atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis. Multiple regression analysis showed that the presence of CHD was independently associated with metabolic syndrome (OR 5.01, 95% CI 1.54-16.31; P<0.01) and intracranial large artery atherosclerosis (OR 4.98, 95% CI 1.63-15.18; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Patients with cerebral infarction have a high prevalence of CVD, especially latent CHD. Both metabolic syndrome and intracranial large artery atherosclerosis may be potential predictors for identifying patients with cerebral infarction who are at the highest risk for latent CAD.