DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2016.v04i09.041

Pages: 3374-3379

Hypertension is an important and independent risk factor for atherosclerosis which is a major killer throughout the world. Hence, it is very important to identify initial atherosclerotic changes so that more vigorous preventive measures can be taken. Various non-invasive markers of early arterial wall alteration are currently available. Of them, Intima-media thickness (IMT) and Resistive index (RI) of carotid are important parameters that can be assessed by Duplex sonography in a relatively simple way and represents safe, inexpensive, precise and reproducible measure. Intima-media thickness [IMT] as morphological value and Resistive index [RI] as a hemodynamic value reflects atherosclerotic process in an indirect manner and these can be assessed as a surrogate marker of generalized atherosclerosis. We, at PDVVPF’S Medical College & Hospital, conducted a Clinical Cross Sectional Study which evaluated Carotid Intima-media thickness [IMT], Peak systolic velocity [PSV], End diastolic velocity [EDV], Resistive index [RI], plaques & stenotic changes in carotid artery in hypertensive patients using High frequency B-scale ultrasound and Color Doppler. Then compared these findings with normotensive subjects. The Statistical software namely SPSS 11.0 and Systat 8.0 were used for analysis of data. We found that Intima media thickness [IMT] and Resistive index [RI] in hypertensives were significantly increased compared to normotensives. There was highly significant correlation between Systolic blood pressure [SBP], Diastolic blood pressure [DBP] and Mean arterial pressure [MAP] with IMT and RI. So, carotid assessment by above mentioned parameters can serve as a screening tool to predict outcome of future cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents.