The relationship between cardiovascular risk estimated by use of SCORE system and intima media thickness and flow mediated dilatation in a low risk population.
BACKGROUND
The SCORE system is a simple, currently recommended method of cardiovascular risk assessment. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between SCORE risk and intima media thickness (IMT) and flow mediated dilatation (FMD) in a low risk population.


METHODS
119 people (59 men) without known cardiovascular disease and estimated by means of SCORE system risk < 5%, were included in the study. The ultrasound method was used to assess brachial artery diameter (BAd), FMD, nitroglycerin mediated dilatation (NMD) of brachial artery and IMT of common carotid. FMD x BAd and FMD/NMD indexes representing hyperemia-induced vasodilatation independent of brachial artery properties were analyzed.


RESULTS
IMT measured was 0.52 +/- 0.08 mm; FMD: 17.5 +/- 7.8%; NMD: 27.0 +/- 9.0%; FMD x BAd: 58.2 +/- 22.4, FMD/NMD: 0.64 +/- 0.19. Independent predictor for both FMD and NMD was BAd (R(2) -0.31; p < 0.001; R(2) -0.44; p < 0.001; respectively), for FMD x BAd index and FMD/NMD index was IMT (R(2) -0.04; p = 0.02; R(2) -0.04; p = 0.015) in a multivariate analysis. Risk estimated by use of the SCORE system was between 0 and 4% (median-1, 25-75 Q: 0-2). A relationship between SCORE risk and IMT (ANOVA p < 0.001), FMD (ANOVA p < 0.001), NMD (ANOVA p < 0.001), FMD x BAd index (ANOVA p = 0.017), but not FMD/NMD index (ANOVA p = 0.27), was found.


CONCLUSIONS
The association of a simple stratifying scale (SCORE system) with indices of early vascular remodeling in a low risk population supports its clinical significance.
Wierzbicka-Chmiel
Joanna
J
Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.
Mizia-Stec
Katarzyna
K
Haberka
Maciej
M
Chmiel
Artur
A
Mizia
Magdalena
M
Gasior
Zbigniew
Z
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001916:Brachial Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D017536:Carotid Artery, Common / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D006940:Hyperemia / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D005996:Nitroglycerin; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012039:Regional Blood Flow; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D017539:Tunica Intima / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D017540:Tunica Media / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014664:Vasodilation; D014665:Vasodilator Agents
D014665:Vasodilator Agents; D005996:Nitroglycerin