Relevance and predictive value of aortic plaque and aortic pulse pressure to degree of coronary disease

AIM: To study the relevance of carotid artery plaque (CAP) and aortic pulse pressure (PP) to the degree of CHD and to explore their predictive values. METHODS: A total of 276 patients with suspected CHD who underwent carotid artery ultrasound and coronary angiography were divided into four groups according to CAP and the level of PP: 1) positive CAP with PP≥65 mmHg group; 2) negative CAP with PP≥65 mmHg group; 3) positive CAP with PP<65 mmHg group; 4) negative CAP with PP<65 mmHg group. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in age, PP and LDL-C among the four groups (P<0.05). More three-vessel lesions were found in the first group, whereas more singe-vessel lesions were found in the fourth group. No significant difference was found in double-vessel lesions among all groups. Logistic multivariate analysis showed that age, LDL-C, PP and plaque were significantly related to coronary artery score (CAS). For the value of CAP and PP in predicting the presence of CHD, sensitivity was 81 vs. 77%, specificity was 93 vs. 91%, positive predictive value was 57 vs. 51%, and negative predictive value was 98 vs. 97%. The combination of these two parameters enhanced sensitivity to 90% and positive predictive value to 77%. CONCLUSION: The combination of CAP and PP is of higher diagnostic value in assessing the degree of CHD.