A prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension

Abstract

A prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and hypertension SummaryThe objective of this study was to analyze results of duplex scanning of the carotid arteries in 77 patients with acute exacerbation of COPD includ ing those with co existing hypertension. Control groups included 36 patients with hypertension and 33 healthy individuals. In COPD patients, the prevalence of carotid atherosclerosis increased from 33.3 % in GOLD stage I to 72.2 % in severe disease. In the group with combined COPD and hypertension, proportion of patients with carotid atherosclerosis was independent of COPD stage and ranged from 50 % to 73.9 %. Intima media thickening and / or atherosclerotic plaques were found in all patients with COPD and two thirds of patients with COPD and hypertension having the right ventricular hypertrophy.