The Maintained Glycemic Target Goal and Renal Function Are Associated with Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Diabetic Patients Following Stent-Supported Angioplasty for Renovascular Atherosclerotic Disease.

Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) constitute a large proportion of patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). However, the mechanism of impaired renal function and hypertension in this subset of patients is multifactorial. We aimed to investigate whether, in diabetic patients, renal function (RF), systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) values following stent-supported angioplasty (PTA) for ARAS have an impact on cardiovascular and renal outcomes. Methods: The study group included 93 patients with T2DM and resistant hypertension who underwent PTA for ARAS. The pre- and post-procedure (6 to 12, and 24 months) values of SBP, DBP, eGFR and glycaemia were obtained. The prospective follow-up of median 44 months was performed for combined outcome: major cardiac and cerebral events (MACCE) and progression to renal replacement therapy (RRT). Results: MACCE-RRT occurred in 46 (49.5%) patients, with higher incidence in patients with higher values of SBP (147.8 ± 25.8 vs. 136.7 ± 15.8 mmHg, p = 0.006), DBP (80.8 ± 13.3 vs. 74.4 ± 12.3 mmHg, p = 0.009), chronic kidney disease in stages 3B to 5 (p = 0.029) and those who have not obtained target glycemic goals compared to well-maintained T2DM (p = 0.007) at 24-months. On multivariate Cox analysis, well-maintained T2DM targets [Hazard Ratio (HR):0.27; 95% Confidence Interval (CI):0.13−0.57; p < 0.001], eGFR below 45 mL/min/m2 (HR: 2.20; 95%CI: 1.20−4.04; p = 0.011), previous stroke (HR:2.52; 95%CI:1.19−5.34; p = 0.015) retained their associations with MACCE-RRT, while BP values were not associated with the outcome. Conclusions: The post-procedural RF, maintained glycemic target goal and previous stroke are vital for the outcome in patients undergoing PTA for renovascular disease in diabetic patients.

Simple clinical scores to predict blood pressure and renal function response to renal artery stenting for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: There are no systematic tools to predict blood pressure (BP) or renal function (RF) improvement after stent­assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop simple, clinically applicable scores based on preprocedural clinical and renal ultrasonography parameters in order to predict BP and RF improvement following ARAS­PTA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 202 patients who underwent ARAS­PTA were categorized as RF responders (eGFR increase ≥11 ml/min/1.73 m2) or BP responders (systolic and diastolic BP decrease ≥20 mm Hg and ≥5 mm Hg, respectively) at 12 months following ARAS­PTA. The variables associated with the RF or BP response in univariable analysis were included in a multivariable logistic regression model. Point­based response scales were developed proportionally to odds ratios in each of the 2 models to embrace the maximum score of 10. RESULTS: The BP response to ARAS­PTA was 93.3% in the high­probability category (6-10 points), 66.7% in the medium­probability category (3-5 points), and 25.3% in the low­probability category (0-2 points), with the preprocedural variables of systolic BP ≥145 mm Hg (3 points), diastolic BP ≥83 mm Hg (4 points), PTA of a single functioning kidney (2 points), and bilateral PTA (1 point). The RF response was 77.3% in the high­probability category (8-10 points), 33% in the medium­probability category (4-7 points), and 10.9% in the low­probability category (0-3 points) for serum creatinine levels >122 µmol/l and eGFR >30 ml/min/1.73 m2 (3 points), index kidney length >98 mm (3 points), renal artery end­diastolic velocity >1.1 m/s (2 points), and arterial resistive index <0.74 (2 points). CONCLUSIONS: Models of favorable BP and RF response may improve patient selection for ARAS­PTA. Further insights are expected from prospective validation.

Long-term outcomes and determinants of stenosis recurrence after renal artery angioplasty in hypertensive patients with renovascular disease.

INTRODUCTION: Restenosis (RS) following percutaneous angioplasty (PTA) of renal artery stenosis (RAS) might have an unfavourable impact on renal function and blood pressure (BP) outcomes. AIM: To evaluate the prevalence and predictors of RS in patients treated with PTA for RAS, and the relationship between BP and renal function (RF) changes with RS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed freedom from RS in 210 patients (age 64.6 ±12.8 years; range: 20-85), who underwent 248 successful stent-assisted PTAs in RAS. The change in levels of serum creatinine (SCC), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), systolic/diastolic BPs (SBP/DBP) were analysed prior to PTA, at 6-, 12-month, and final follow-up visits, and whenever RS was diagnosed. RESULTS: RS was identified in 30 (14.3%) patients, and there were 36 (14.5%) lesions. The Kaplan-Meier RS-free survival curves in fibromuscular dysplasia, atherosclerosis, and vasculitis at 1 and 7 years were: 100% and 100%; 95.6 and 83.9%; and 71.4 and 39.7%, respectively. Patients with RS, as compared to RS-free patients, presented with less pronounced changes in respect with: SBP (1.4 ±17.6 vs. -15.8 ±25.8 mm Hg; p = 0.01), DBP (2.64 ±10.1 vs. -6.5 ±14.1 mm Hg; p = 0.002), SCC (22.4 ±55.2 vs. -3.6 ±43.9 µmol/l; p = 0.002), and eGFR (-1.85 ±18 vs. -5.34 ±19.5 mm Hg; p = 0.045). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, independent predictors of RS occurred: lack of BP decrease (HR = 4.19, 95% CI: 1.67-10.3; p = 0.002), eGFR increase < 0.17 ml/min/1.73 m2 (HR = 2.93, 95% CI: 1.08-7.91; p = 0.033), stent diameter ≤ 5 mm (HR = 2.76, 95% CI: 1.09-6.97; p = 0.031), and vasculitis (HR = 5.61, 95% CI: 1.83-17.2; p = 0.003). RS was treated in 24 patients with RS recurrence in 20%. CONCLUSIONS: The RS rate differs depending on RAS aetiology. Lack of SBP/DBP and eGFR improvement, vasculitis, and stent diameter are associated with RS risk. Repeated PTA is effective, but recurrent RS occurs in 20% of cases.

Determinants of long-term outcome in patients after percutaneous stent-assisted intervention for renal artery steno-occlusive atherosclerotic disease.

INTRODUCTION: The effect of stent­assisted percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for renal artery stenosis (RAS) on systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) as well as renal function, in comparison with medical therapy, is still debatable. Data on determinants of cardiovascular (CV) outcome after PTA are lacking. OBJECTIVES: We aimed to identify determinants of major cardiac and cerebral events (MACCEs) following PTA for RAS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 248 PTAs for RAS were performed in 211 patients with difficult­to­treat hypertension and/or progressive renal impairment. The primary outcomes were procedural success, in­hospital complications, renal function (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR]), change in SBP or DBP, and an incidence of MACCEs during a median of 47 months (interquartile range [IQR], 18-78 months). RESULTS: Procedural success and complication rates were 99.2% and 4.7%, respectively. We observed significant differences in SBP, DBP, and eGFR at 12 months as compared with baseline. A total of 63 MACCEs (30.6%) were noted in 206 patients with available follow­up data. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated the following best cutoff values for the risk of CV death: an increase in eGFR by at least 11 ml/min/1.73 m2 and a decrease in SBP and DBP by at least 20 mm Hg and 5 mm Hg, respectively. At 12­month follow­up, an increase in eGFR of at least 11 ml/min/1.73 m2 was independently associated with a reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 0.42; 95% CI, 0.19-0.90; P = 0.02) and MACCEs (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.32-0.93; P = 0.03), while a decrease of DBP by 5 mm Hg or higher, with a reduced risk of stroke (HR, 0.1; 95% CI, 0.02-0.39; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the efficacy and safety of PTA as well as its significant effect on changes in blood pressure and eGFR values. Patients with an increase in eGFR of at least 11 ml/min/1.73 m2 have a significant risk reduction of MACCEs and CV death, while those with a decrease in DBP of at least 5 mm Hg, of stroke.

Determinants of long-term outcome in patients after percutaneous stent-assisted management of symptomatic subclavian or innominate artery stenosis or occlusion.

AIMS: Incidence and determinants of restenosis and adverse events after endovascular management (PTA±stent) of the subclavian/innominate artery (SA/IA) stenosis/occlusion remain unclear due to the relatively short-term follow-up or limited size of prior studies. This large-scale, long-term prospective study investigated safety, efficacy, and prognosis after SA/IA PTA±stent. METHODS AND RESULTS: The study involved 411 consecutive patients with symptomatic SA/IA stenosis/ occlusion; 393 were followed annually after successful PTA±stent for up to 16 (minimum one) years. Primary outcomes were freedom from restenosis and MACCE (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke). Angiographic success rate was 99.7% in stenoses and 76.1% in occlusions. The incidence of any periprocedural complication was 4.4% (serious - 1.2%). Symptoms of limb ischaemia, vertebrobasilar insufficiency or angina resolved in 79.1%, decreased in 19.6%. Freedom from restenosis was 82.6% and 77.9% whereas freedom from MACCE was 86.6% and 78.3% at five and 10 years, respectively. MACCE determinants (HR; 95% CI) were previous myocardial infarction (5.36; 2.9-9.91), ischaemic stroke (2.03; 1.12-3.66), hs-CRP (1.04; 1.02-1.07), concurrent atherosclerosis (1.35; 1.00-1.82). Restenosis determinants were implantation of ≥2 stents (2.65; 1.23-5.72), stent diameter (0.45; 0.34-0.59), hs-CRP (1.06; 1.02-1.1), WBC (1.2; 1.07-1.35), age (0.97; 0.94-0.99), concurrent carotid or vertebral disease (1.85; 1.07-3.18), IA intervention (2.28; 1.08-4.84). CONCLUSIONS: This study established long-term durability of stent-assisted PTA of symptomatic SA/IA disease and identified risk factors for restenosis and long-term MACCE. Patients at increased risk might benefit from targeted, intensified prevention measures.

Impact of renal artery stenting on cytokine levels, left ventricle mass and diastolic function.

BACKGROUND: Significant renal artery stenosis (RAS) may lead to left ventricle (LV) hypertrophy and diastolic function (DF) impairment through complex mechanisms: activation of cytokines and/or systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP) increase. AIM: To assess interrelations between LV mass (LVM), DF and cytokines in patients undergoing renal artery stenting (PTA, percutaneous angioplasty of renal artery). METHODS: The study group comprised 72 subjects (44.4% men), 64.1 ± 9.9 years with RAS referred to PTA. SBP, DBP, transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-ß1), aldosterone, B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels and change in LVM and LVM index (LVMI) and DF (E(vel), e'(vel), E/A ratio, E/e' ratio, Ar(time)-A(time)) on echocardiography were assessed preprocedurally, and three and 12 months postprocedurally. RESULTS: TGF-ß1 level decreased from 13.3 ± 14.9 to 8.6 ± 8.0 ng/mL (p = 0.027), while BNP increased from 89.1 ± 86.3 to 131 ± 105 pmol/mL (p < 0.001). A significant reduction in LVMI in women (79.4 ± 16.9 vs. 95.7 ± 18.5 g/m², p < 0.001) and men (77.2 ± 16.8 vs. 100.1 ± 19.7 g/m², p < 0.001) was found at 12 months vs. baseline. Degree of LVM reduction correlated with baseline LVM (p < 0.001; r = -0.612) and e'(vel) (p = 0.05; r = 0.230), but not with BP values. Among DF parameters, only e'(vel) increased significantly at 12 months (5.54 ± 1.57 vs. 5.92 ± 1.65 cm/s; p = 0.039), while A/E and E/e' ratio, Ar(time)-A(time) remained similar (p = 0.457, p = 0.283 and p = 0.258). Factors associated with e'(vel) increase ≥ 0.3 cm/s at 12 months were baseline LVM < 165 g (p = 0.043, RR = 1.39, CI 1.01-1.46), E(vel) (p = 0.015, RR = 1.26, CI 1.15-1.52), e'(vel) (p < 0.001, RR = 1.42, CI 1.18-1.7), DBP decrease > 10 mm Hg (p = 0.055, RR = 1.2, CI 1.0-1.44) and TGF-ß1 > 8 ng/mL (p = 0.024, RR = 1.24, CI 1.03-1.49) at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: Significant LVMI reduction was observed after PTA of RAS, but it was independent of BP reduction. e'(vel) increase was independently associated with baseline LVM, E(vel), e'(vel), and 12 month decrease in DBP > 10 mm Hg.

Relationship between carotid intima-media thickness, cytokines, atherosclerosis extent and a two-year cardiovascular risk in patients with arteriosclerosis.

AIM: To investigate the relationship between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), biomarkers, atherosclerosis extent and a two-year cardiovascular (CV) event risk in patients with arteriosclerosis. METHODS: The CIMT, levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and NT-proBNP were measured in 279 subjects with atherosclerotic disease, mean age 64.1 ± 9.6 years. The patients were included when they had artery stenosis ≥ 50% in one, two, three or four arterial territories (coronary, supra-aortic, renal and/or lower limb arteries), and this was found in 97, 80, 69 and 33 patients, respectively. During a two-year follow-up, the incidences of CV death, myocardial infarction, ischaemic stroke and lesion progression were recorded. RESULTS: The identified independent predictors of ≥ 3-territorial stenoses ≥ 50% were CIMT > 1.3 mm (RR 1.72; p < 0.001), hs-CRP > 5 mg/dL (RR 1.28; p = 0.005), IL-6 > 6.5 pg/mL (RR 1.08; p = 0.089), IL-10 (RR 0.86; p = 0.002), diabetes (RR 1.11; p = 0.027), total-cholesterol (RR 1.21; p < 0.001), creatinine (RR 1.15; p = 0.004) and body mass index (RR 0.85; p = 0.001). During a two-year follow-up, CV events occurred in 52 (18.6%) patients. The CIMT > 1.3 mm (p < 0.001), diabetes (p = 0.018), TNF-α > 6 pg/mL (p = 0.018), LDL-cholesterol > 3.35 mmol/L (p = 0.012) and NT-proBNP (p = 0.074) were independent CV event risk factors associated with a 27%, 14%, 15%, 15% and 11% higher CV risk, respectively. However, after adjustment for a baseline location of artery stenosis ≥ 50%, CIMT became a non-significant predictor (p = 0.245). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of hs-CRP, IL-6, IL-10 are independently associated with atherosclerosis extent, while TNF-α and NT- -proBNP are mostly related to a two-year CV event risk. The CIMT > 1.3 mm seems to be a clinically relevant marker associated with atherosclerosis extent and CV risk, although CV event risk is primarily related to the baseline stenosis location.

Effect of renal artery revascularization on left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic function, blood pressure, and the one-year outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to determine the potential interrelations between left ventricle mass (LVM), LV diastolic function, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and cardiovascular events in patients undergoing renal artery stenting [corrected] (RAS). METHODS: Prior to RAS, 3 and 12 months afterward, the change in LVM, left ventricular mass index (LVMI), diastolic function (E/A ratio, E' wave velocity, isovolumetric relaxation time [IVRT], E/E' ratio) on echocardiography and change in SBP and DBP on 24-hour monitoring were assessed in 84 patients, aged 63.7 ± 10 years, who underwent RAS for renal artery stenosis > 60%. RESULTS: During 12 months, 12 (14.3%) cardiovascular (CV) events (five deaths) occurred. At 1 year, the mean LVM decreased from 179 ± 49 g to 141 ± 31 g (P < .001), LVMI in men decreased from 100 ± 20 g/m(2) to 79 ± 18 g/m(2) (P < .001), and the LVMI in women decreased from 96 ± 18 g/m(2) to 80 ± 17 g/m(2) (P < .001). No improvement in diastolic function parameters was seen. The mean SBP and DBP decreased from 133.5 ± 16.9 mm Hg to 127.9 ± 13.2 mm Hg (P = .007) and from 75.4 ± 10.2 mm Hg to 73.1 ± 8.8 mm Hg (P = .035), respectively. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, coronary artery disease (CAD) severity (relative risk [RR], 1.27; P = .023), smoking (RR, 1.29; P = .016), and baseline LVM (RR, 1.21; P = .07) were found as independent CV event risk factors. The independent factors associated with SBP and DBP improvement were grade of renal stenosis (RR, 1.28; P = .006), bilateral RAS procedure (RR, 1.17; P = .07), and baseline DBP value (RR, 1.74; P < .001). LVM reduction was associated with higher baseline ejection fraction (RR, 1.53; P < .001) and baseline LVM (RR, 1.7; P < 0.001). SBP and DBP value changes were independent of LVM change (r = 0.031; P = .796 and r = 0.098; P = .413, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: RAS induced LVM and LVMI reduction, which is independent of the change in blood pressure. Baseline LVM is associated with higher CV event risk following RAS.

Polyvascular extracoronary atherosclerotic disease in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular diseases are the number one killer in the developed countries, accounting for approximately half of all deaths, with the leading causes being myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke. In line with the ageing population, the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD), lower extremity peripheral arterial disease (PAD), supra-aortic arterial disease (SAD) and renal stenosis (RAS) is increasing. Polyvascular atherosclerosis (PVA) coexisting in several territories has an adverse effect on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. AIM: To determine prevalence, coexistence and predictors of significant PAD, SAD and RAS in patients with suspected CAD. METHODS: Based on angiography, the frequency of coexisting CAD, SAD, PAD and RAS (stenosis > or =50%) was determined in 687 (487 male) consecutive patients, aged 63.5 +/- 9.1 years, referred for coronary angiography. RESULTS: Significant CAD was found in 545 (79.3%) patients (1-vessel in 164; 2-vessel in 157; 3-vessel in 224). SAD, RAS and PAD were found in 136 (19.8%), 55 (8%), and 103 (15%) patients, respectively. Of the 545 patients with confirmed CAD, 346 (63.5%) had stenoses limited to coronary arteries. 2-, 3- and 4-level PVA was found in 130 (23.8%), 61 (11.2%) and 8 (1.5%) patients, respectively. Of the 142 patients without CAD, 127 (89.4%) had no significant stenoses elsewhere, 12 (8.5%) had 1 extracoronary territory and 3 (2.1%) had 2-territory involvement. Backward stepwise binary logistic regression analysis showed the following independent predictors of at least 2-level PVA: 2- and 3-vessel CAD (p < 0.001), hyperlipidaemia (p = 0.067), smoking (p < 0.001), creatinine level > or = 1.3 ml/dl (p < 0.001), lower extremities claudication (p < 0.001) and female gender (p = 0.003). The relative risk of having at least 2-territory PVA was 15.7-fold higher in patients with claudication, 2.1-fold in patients with multivessel CAD, 2.8-fold for serum creatinine level > 1.3 mg/dl; and 1.9-fold, 2.4-fold and 2-fold in patients with hyperlipidaemia, smokers and women, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Significant atherosclerosis in extracoronary arterial territories is present in 36% of patients with documented CAD. With advancing PVA, accumulation of atherosclerosis risk factors, previous atherothrombotic events and more severe CAD is observed.

Supra-aortic extracranial artery atherosclerotic lesions in patients diagnosed for coronary artery disease: prevalence and predictors.

BACKGROUND: In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), the presence of atherosclerotic lesions in other vascular beds is associated with a markedly worse prognosis. AIM: To determine the prevalence and predictors of extracranial supra-aortic artery atherosclerotic disease (SAD) in patients with suspected CAD. METHODS: Supra-aortic artery angiography was performed in 379 consecutive patients aged 64.2 +/- 8.8 years (231 male) referred for coronary angiography. Clinical and laboratory data (total cholesterol, LDL, HDL cholesterol, hs-CRP, creatinine level) and left ventricular ejection fraction were analysed. RESULTS: Significant stenosis (> or =50% by quantitative angiography) within at least one main branch of the coronary arteries was found in 314 (82.8%) patients, including 87 (27.7%), 96 (30.6%) and 131 (41.7%) with 1-vessel, 2-vessel, and 3-vessel CAD, respectively. Among all 379 patients, stenosis > or =50% of the carotid artery was documented in 9.5%, vertebral in 13.7%, and subclavian in 7.4% of patients. We found 130 stenoses > or =50% within the supra-aortic arteries in 90 patients (23.7% of the whole study group, and 28.7% of CAD patients), including 42 internal carotid artery stenoses in 36 patients, 58 vertebral artery stenoses in 52, and 30 subclavian stenoses in 28 patients. In 24 (6.3%) patients more than one SAD was present. The SAD > or =50% was found in 8 (12.3%) patients without significant CAD, in 22 (25.3%), 17 (17.7%) and 43 (32.8%) with 1-, 2- and 3-vessel CAD, respectively (p = 0.001). Independent predictors of SAD > or =50% identified by multivariate analysis were: previous neurological ischaemic event (p = 0.001), CAD (p = 0.015), creatinine level (p = 0.031), male gender (p = 0.001), claudication (p < 0.001) and low HDL cholesterol (p = 0.033). The following independent predictors of vertebral and/or subclavian artery stenosis > 50% were identified: CAD severity (p = 0.002), creatinine level (p = 0.024), male gender (p = 0.013), claudication (p < 0.001) and low HDL cholesterol level (p = 0.059). CONCLUSIONS: In a large patient sample, we have found that significant supra-aortic atherosclerosis is present in a quater of patients with suspected CAD. Importantly, SAD prevalence increases with CAD severity. Previous neurological ischaemic event, CAD, creatinine level, male gender, claudication and hyperlipidaemia were identified as independent predictors of SAD > or =50%.

Carotid intima-media thickness in pre- and postmenopausal women with suspected coronary artery disease.

Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is an early marker of coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to evaluate CIMT value for CAD prediction in pre-and postmenopausal women referred for coronary angiography with angina-like symptoms and a positive result of the treadmill test. The study comprised 321 women referred for coronary angiography with symptoms suggesting CAD. Carotid intima-media thickness was measured in common, bifurcation, and internal carotid artery, and expressed as the mean maximum value. Coronary angiography showed coronary stenosis > or = 50% in 211 (65.7%) women, including 27 with regular menses (47.3 +/- 3.4 years) and 184 postmenopausal (65.8 +/- 7.2 years). Normal coronary arteries were found in 110 women: 17 (47.3 +/- 4.9 years) with regular menses and 93 postmenopausal (64.3 +/- 6.5 years). The highest CIMT values were found in postmenopausal CAD women (1.360 +/- 0.32 mm), as compared to premenopausal with CAD (1.178 +/- 0.36 mm, P = 0.005), pre- (0.860 +/- 0.23 mm, P < 0.001) and postmenopausal (1.022 +/- 0.30 mm, P < 0.001) women without CAD. Carotid intima-media thickness (P < 0.001), hyperlipidemia (P = 0.018), and myocardial infarction (P < 0.001), but not menopause itself or the number of years since menses cessation, were found to be independent CAD predictors. By receiver operating characteristic calculation, the mean maximum CIMT cut-off values discriminating CAD were lower in premenopausal (> or = 0.933 mm) than in postmenopausal women (> or = 1.075 mm; P < 0.05) resulting in similar sensitivity (85.2% and 82.6%) and specificity (70.6% and 69.9%). Carotid intima-media thickness is a strong CAD predictor in both pre- and postmenopausal women, in contrast to the menopausal status.

Renal artery stenosis in patients with coronary artery disease.

BACKGROUND: Renal dysfunction is an important factor of cardiovascular risk. Renal artery stenosis (RAS) is a potential cause of secondary hypertension and by renal ischemia may lead to progressive renal insuficiency. In RAS patients a significant increase in prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) as well as revascularisation rate and mortality rate was observed. AIM: To determine the prevalence of RAS in patients with suspected CAD. METHODS: The study group consisted of 1036 consecutive patients (700 men; 67.6% ) in the mean age of 62.1+/-9.7 (25-85) years admitted to coronary angiography. Simultaneously renal angiography was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Stenosis > or = 50% in at least one main branch of coronary artery was found in 633 (66.1%) patients. The proportion of patients with one, two or three vessel CAD was respectively 291 (46%), 169 (26%) and 173 (27.3%). Non-significant coronary lesions <50% were found in 108 (10.4%) patients, whereas in 295 (28.5%) patients no angiographic evidence of CAD was documented. In the whole group of patients RAS was found in 339 (32.7%) of patients - 124 (12%) had bilateral lesions. RAS prevalence in patients with CAD was 38.3% (284/741) and its frequency increased with severity of CAD: from 25% (27/108) in patients with insignificant coronary lesions up to 36.4% (106/291), 40.2% (68/169) and 48% (83/173) in 1, 2, and 3-vessel disease, respectively (p <0.001). RAS prevalence in patients with normal coronary arteries was 18.6% (55/295). RAS <30% was detected in 194 (18,7%) patients; RAS between 30-49% in 81 patients (8.7%); RAS 50-69% in 38 patients (3.7%) and RAS > or = 70% in the remaining 26 patients (2.5%). RAS > or = 50% was noted in 8 (2.7%) patients without coronary lesions; in 5 (4.6%) with insignificant coronary artery atherosclerosis and 51 (8%) with coronary artery stenosis >50% (p=0.0008). Stepwise regression analysis identified 4 independent predictors of RAS > or = 50%: CAD severity (p=0.014), serum creatinine concentration (p <0.001), cigarette smoking (p=0.02) and stenosis of aortic arch branches (p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RAS is a frequent finding in patients with suspected CAD. CAD severity, number of involved aortic arch arteries, cigarette smoking and serum creatinine are independent RAS predictors.