Objectives: To study the prevalence of increased CIMT (carotid intima media thickness) among NVAF (non-valvular atrial fibrillation) patients compared to healthy population and to assess the CIMT measurements in different progressive stages of AF (atrial fibrillation).
Background: Progression of NVAF is characterized by switch from paroxysmal to persistent/permanent AF. Better understanding of AF progression is clinically important. NVAF is frequently associated with high number of atherosclerotic risk factors. CIMT is a good marker of subclinical atherosclerosis. Increased CIMT is an independent predictor of new onset atrial fibrillation. Higher values of CIMT is expected to be found among more progressive types of AF.
Patients and methods: The study included 100 patients with NVAF and 50 healthy control subjects. Patients with AF were sub-divided into 2 groups according to AF type (paroxysmal and non- paroxysmal). Carotid ultrasound including CIMT was assessed in both AF patients subgroups and in control group and findings were compared.
Results: CIMT was significantly higher in the case group compared with the control group, CIMT was significantly higher in the non-paroxysmal AF group compared to the paroxysmal AF group. There was a significant correlation between the CIMT and the duration of the AF episodes.
Conclusion: Progressive types of AF (persistent and permanent) are associated with higher measurements of CIMT compared to less progressive type (paroxysmal) AF.