Carotid ultrasound in patients with coronary artery disease / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Although increased intima-media thickness of common carotid artery independently predicts cardiac outcomes, the clinical significance of carotid intima-media thickness in patients with diagnosed coronary artery disease is still controversial. However, the presence of carotid plaques is clearly associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events in patients with coronary artery disease, and more aggressive medical treatment is required in this occasion. In addition, carotid disease is commonly associated with coronary artery disease, and the detection of asymptomatic significant carotid stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease may modify treatment strategy and reduce the risk of stroke. Therefore, the screening of carotid atherosclerosis using ultrasound can be helpful in patients with coronary artery disease.