In the present study, we investigated whether measures of brachial artery reactivity were associated with the presence and extent of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic adults. Electron beam computed tomography was employed to assess the presence and quantity of CAC (coronary artery calcium) in 441 participants (mean age, 61 years; 49% men) without prior history of CHD (coronary heart disease) or stroke, and CAC score was calculated using the method described by Agatston and co-workers [(1990) J. Am. Coll. Cardiol. 15, 827–832] High-resolution ultrasound was employed to measure BAD (brachial artery diameter), FMD (flow-mediated dilatation) and NMD (nitroglycerine-mediated dilatation). CAC score and FMD were log-transformed after adding 1 to reduce skewness. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models based on generalized estimating equations were used to assess whether BAD, FMD and NMD were each independently associated with the presence and quantity of CAC after adjustment for CHD risk factors and use of statin and hypertension medication. CAC was detectable in 64% of participants. After adjustment for age and sex, FMD was not correlated (r=−0.06; P=0.27), BAD was positively correlated (r=0.16; P=0.004) and NMD was inversely correlated in a borderline significant manner (r=−0.10; P=0.084) with log(CAC+1). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, FMD was not associated, whereas higher BAD (P=0.021) and lower NMD (P=0.030) were independently associated with the presence of CAC. In multivariable linear regression analyses, higher BAD (P=0.004) and lower NMD (P=0.016), but not FMD, were independently associated with log(CAC+1). We conclude that greater diameter of the brachial artery and lower vasodilator response to nitroglycerine, but not FMD, are associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis.
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February 2007
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Research Article|
January 03 2007
Brachial artery diameter and vasodilator response to nitroglycerine, but not flow-mediated dilatation, are associated with the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium in asymptomatic adults
Iftikhar J. Kullo;
*Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A.
Correspondence: Dr Iftikhar J. Kullo (email [email protected]).
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A. Rauoof Malik;
A. Rauoof Malik
*Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A.
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Lawrence F. Bielak;
Lawrence F. Bielak
†Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3028, U.S.A.
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Patrick F. Sheedy, II;
Patrick F. Sheedy, II
†Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48104-3028, U.S.A.
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Stephen T. Turner;
Stephen T. Turner
‡Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A.
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Patricia A. Peyser
Patricia A. Peyser
§Department of Radiology, Mayo Clinic and Foundation, Rochester, MN 55905, U.S.A.
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Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
May 26 2006
Revision Received:
September 11 2006
Accepted:
September 20 2006
Accepted Manuscript online:
September 20 2006
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
The Biochemical Society
2007
Clin Sci (Lond) (2007) 112 (3): 175–182.
Article history
Received:
May 26 2006
Revision Received:
September 11 2006
Accepted:
September 20 2006
Accepted Manuscript online:
September 20 2006
Citation
Iftikhar J. Kullo, A. Rauoof Malik, Lawrence F. Bielak, Patrick F. Sheedy, Stephen T. Turner, Patricia A. Peyser; Brachial artery diameter and vasodilator response to nitroglycerine, but not flow-mediated dilatation, are associated with the presence and quantity of coronary artery calcium in asymptomatic adults. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 February 2007; 112 (3): 175–182. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20060131
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