Association of Common Carotid Artery Measurements with N-terminal Pro B-type Natriuretic Peptide in Elderly Participants

Objective Numerous studies have reported an association between common carotid artery (CCA) parameters and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, the association between CCA parameters and hemodynamic stress on the left ventricle in elderly patients remains unclear. Methods We assessed CCA parameters, including the height-adjusted CCA interadventitial diameter (diameter/height), mean intima-media thickness (IMT), number of plaques, plaque score, resistance index (RI), and pulsatility index (PI) with ultrasonography, using serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels as a marker for hemodynamic stress on the left ventricle in 1,315 participants >/=70 years old without CVD. Of these participants, 706 had hypertension, defined as taking antihypertensive medications, having a systolic blood pressure >/=140 mmHg, and/or having a diastolic blood pressure >/=90 mmHg. Results After adjusting for the confounding factors, the CCA interadventitial diameter/height was significantly associated with the log NT-proBNP in both the normotensive group (beta=0.125, p=0.002) and hypertensive group (beta=0.080, p=0.029). The RI was significantly associated with the log NT-proBNP in the hypertensive group (beta=0.176, p<0.001) but not in the normotensive group. In addition, the PI was significantly associated with the log NT-proBNP in the hypertensive group (beta=0.156, p<0.001) but not in the normotensive group. However, no significant association was observed between the mean IMT, number of plaques, and plaque score and log NT-proBNP. Conclusion CCA measurements may be useful markers for hemodynamic stress on the left ventricle in elderly patients.