Evaluation Of Atherosclerosis As A Risk Factor in COPD Patients By Measuring The Carotis Tunica Intima-Media Thickness.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate atherosclerosis as comorbidity by measuring the carotid (bulb and common carotid artery) tunica intima-media thickness in COPD- diagnosed patients and to evaluate the relationship of atherosclerosis with the prevelance of COPD,hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Methods: This study was conducted out between January 2019-December 2019 consisting of a total of 140 participants (70 COPD-diagnosed patients-70 healthy individuals). The COPD-diagnosed patients have been planne according to the selection and diagnosis criteria as per the GOLD 2019 guide. It is planned to evaluate as per prospective matching case-control study of the carotd thickness, radial gas analysis, spirometric and demographic characteristics of COPD diagnosed patients and healthy individuals. Results: The average CCA tunica intima-media thickness in COPD patients was 0.8746 ± 0.161, and the thickness of the carotid bulb was 1.04±0.150. In the control group, the average CCA tunica intima-media thickness was 0.6650±0.139, and the thickness of the carotid bulb was 0.8250±0.15. For the carotid thickness that has increased in COPD diagnosed patients a significant relationship is determined between hypoxemia and hypercapnia.The CIMT was high in COPD patients with hypoxemia and hypercapnia. Conclusion: Significant difference was determşnes between the severity (grades) of COPD (mild, moderate, severe, very severe) in carotid thickness. Also,CIMT was found to be high in patients who is in the early phases of the prevalence of COPD. In COPD-diagnosed patients, it was determined that severity of COPD, hypoxemia, hypercapnia and age were determining factors of atherosclerosis.