The Relationship Between the Internal Carotid Artery Resistive Index and the Myocardial Performance Index

Abstract

Objective:The carotid resistive index (RI) represents carotid vascular resistance. The myocardial performance index (MPI) is an echocardiographic parameter that reflects cardiac functions. The present study aimed to assess the relationship between carotid hemodynamics, measured by the internal carotid artery RI, and overall cardiac functions, assessed by the MPI in the general population. Material and Methods:A total of 284 consecutive patients were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Transthoracic echocardiography and carotid Doppler ultrasonography were performed on each participant. Patients were divided into two groups: the low carotid RI group (RI≤ 0.7) and the high carotid RI group (RI> 0.7). Results:The MPI was significantly higher in the high carotid RI group than in the low carotid RI group (0.44 ± 0.11 vs. 0.41 ± 0.06, p= 0.014). Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age [odds ratio (OR)= 1.127, 95% confidence interval (CI)= 1.046-1.214; p= 0.002], and the MPI (OR= 1.286, 95% CI= 1.060-1.520, p= 0.019) were independently associated with high carotid RI. Conclusion:Age and the MPI were independent predictors of high internal carotid artery resistance in the general population.