Risk factors in extracranial carotid disease.

ABSTRACT

One hundred patients with ischaemic cerebro vascular disease (TIA/RIND--67% and completed stroke--33%) were evaluated for various clinical and biochemical risk factors. Evidence of extra-cranial carotid vascular disease (ECCVD) was looked for by using Doppler scan and carotid angiography. Of the 28 patients with abnormal Dop scan, 27 were confirmed to have ECCVD by angiography. Though the history of hypertension was elicited in 40%, only 28% had BP of 160/95 mm Hg or more during hospital stay. Hypertension was twice more common in ECCVD group compared to the group with normal carotid vessels. Obesity was seen in 15%, diabetes mellitus in 10% and 1% had hyperuricaemia. Total cholesterol was elevated in 29% and HDL cholesterol fraction was decreased (less than 35 mg%) in 43%. The reduction of HDL cholesterol was more frequent in ECCVD group (63%) and in hypertensive (73%) patients. Lipoproteins, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids were not significantly affected.