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[Correlations between carotid intima-media thickness and serum uric acid levels in hypertensive patients].

UNLABELLED
Intima-media thickness (IMT) of the carotid arteries assessed noninvasively by ultrasonography is now validated as a sensitive marker for atherosclerosis and it is directly associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Hyperuricemia (HU) is a well-recognized risk factor for cardiovascular diseases.


AIM
To evaluate the correlations between IMT and uric acid levels in patients with hypertension (HT).


MATERIAL AND METHOD
Our study consisted of: a group of 30 patients with HT without HU (men 55%, mean age +/- S.D.: 50 +/- 11 years), a group of 25 patients with HT and HU (men 52%, mean age +/- S.D: 52 +/- 10 years), and a control group of 25 healthy subjects (men 55%, mean age +/- S.D: 50 +/- 11 years). All the patients in the study groups were examined by high resolution B-mode ultrasound to measure the IMT of the common carotid artery.


RESULTS
IMT values were significantly higher in the patient groups (HT without HU and HT with HU) compared to the control group (0.98 +/- 0.28, 1.41 +/- 0.31 versus 0.56 +/- 0.15 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). In the patients groups, patients with HU had significantly higher carotid IMT compared to the patients without HU. In this study we have shown that higher SUA levels are associated with atherogenesis independent from hypertension.


CONCLUSION
Early screening for hyperuricemia and lowering serum uric acid levels might be beneficial in slowing progression of IMT in hypertensive patients.