Carotid intima media thickness and parameters related to blood flow in obese patients

Abstract

Objective: Obesity increases the risk of atherosclerotic diseases. The relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and subclinical atherosclerosis is known. In this study; we investigated the relationship between CIMT and clinical and laboratory parameters related to carotid blood flow. Material and Methods: We enrolled 64 obese and 40 overweight and a total of 104 patients in the study. Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), hip circumference (HC) and waist to hip ratio (WHR) of the patients were recorded. Patients' fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, triglyceride (TG) and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were measured. Insulin resistance (HOMA-R) was calculated. Carotid intima-media thickness and blood flow were measured by Doppler ultrasound. Results: The average age was 46.6±11.1 years. The subjects were subdivided into two groups as overweight and obese. FBG, insulin and HOMA-R were elevated in both groups. TG levels were elevated in the obese group, but not in the overweight group. LDL levels were normal in both groups. Increased intima-media thickness was observed in 32 patients. The correlation between carotid blood flow peak systolic velocity (PSV) of 29-127 cm/min (average 74.76 cm/min) and WHR was weak (r=0.37; p=0.030). EDV (11- 51 cm/min, average 31.62+10.52 cm/min) showed weak correlations with BMI and WHR (r=0.33; p=0.170). Conclusion: Ultrasonographic evaluation of atherosclerotic changes in arteries should be used in clinical practice more often, as it is relatively easy and noninvasive. Resistivity index of internal carotid artery may also be used as a marker of atherosclerosis in addition to intima media thickness. © 2013 by Türkiye Klinikleri.