A Study on the Correlation Between Calcific Aortic Valve Disease and Carotid Artery Elasticity.

Background: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and carotid artery elasticity using ultra-fast pulse wave velocity (UFPWV) technology. Early detection of alterations in carotid artery elasticity, coupled with the prompt implementation of intervention strategies, can effectively decrease the incidence of cardiovascular diseases.

Methods: Patients with CAVD were recruited from the University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University and placed in the observation group. Meanwhile, an equivalent number of patients with non-calcified aortic valve disease were recruited as controls. All participants underwent comprehensive health assessments, including measurements of blood lipids, fasting blood sugar, and other biochemical indicators. Additionally, bilateral carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) was measured, as well as pulse wave velocity (PWV) at the beginning of systole (PWV-BS) and the end of systole (PWV-ES). Differences in various indicators between the two groups were analyzed, and the factors associated with CAVD and carotid artery elasticity were investigated. The correlation between CAVD and carotid artery elasticity was also evaluated.

Results: Patients with CAVD exhibited significantly higher CIMT, PWV-BS, and PWV-ES levels than those with non-calcified aortic valve disease (p < 0.01). PWV-BS and PWV-ES showed progressive increases according to the severity of calcification. Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease and PWV-BS were all identified as independent risk factors for CAVD. The risk factors associated with PWV-BS include hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, total cholesterol, and homocysteine (p < 0.05 for all). The risk factors related to PWV-ES include hypertension, coronary atherosclerotic heart disease, total cholesterol, and glycated hemoglobin (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusions: UFPWV technology is a novel method for the early diagnosis of carotid elasticity. Evaluating carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with CAVD may lead to earlier detection and intervention and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events.