Correlation of Aortic Elasticity Indices with the Severity of Coronary Artery Disease.

BACKGROUND

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality. Aortic elasticity indices (AEI) have emerged as potential indicators for evaluating risk in CAD. This research aimed to explore the association between AEI and the severity of CAD, as measured by the modified Gensini score (mGS).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A total of 225 individuals were screened, out of which 100 eligible individuals undergoing elective coronary angiography for suspected CAD were enrolled. These participants were divided into two groups: Group I, with normal or insignificant angiographic findings (31%) and Group II, with significant CAD (69%), for whom the mGS was calculated. Echocardiographically derived AEI were obtained for all participants.

RESULTS

The mean age was 55.26 ± 8.94 years, predominantly males (63%). Unstable angina was the most prevalent presentation (70%), and dyslipidemia was identified as the most predominant (89%) risk factor. The analysis revealed that patients with significant CAD exhibited lower aortic distensibility (AD) (<4.85 cm2/dyn/103) and aortic strain (<9.6%) than those without significant CAD with P = 0.03 and P = 0.04, respectively. Furthermore, AD was identified as the strongest predictor of the severity and complexity of CAD, particularly in cases with intermediate-high mGS tertiles.

CONCLUSION

This study underscores AD as the most reliable AEI for assessing CAD severity. Integrating these indices into routine clinical practice could significantly enhance risk stratification, guide treatment decisions, and ultimately improve outcomes for CAD patients.