In a nutshell
The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood pressure and plaque size in coronary (heart) blood vessels. The main finding of the study was that diastolic (the second number in the blood pressure reading) blood pressure can predict the size of the coronary plaque.
Some background
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is when plaque builds up in the blood vessels of the heart. This decreases the blood flow to the heart muscle. Plaques are made up of different substances such as fat, fibrous tissue and can have some hardened parts (calcifications).
Blood pressure has two components: systolic (the first, bigger number) and diastolic (the second, smaller number). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is contracted. Diastolic blood pressure (DBP) is the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is relaxed. The relationship between blood pressure and plaque size is unknown.
Methods & findings
This study included 285 patients with CAD. The size of their coronary plaques was measured through imaging techniques.
Patients who had the lowest DBP (below 68 mmHg) had lower volumes of fatty plaques, fibrous plaques, non-calcified and total plaque compared to those who had the highest DBP (greater than 76 mmHg). There was no relationship between SBP and plaque size. Fibrous plaque, noncalcified plaque, calcified plaque, and total plaque increased for every 1 mmHg increase in DBP.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that DBP can predict coronary plaque size in patients with CAD.
The fine print
This study included patients with normal cholesterol levels treated with statins. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Published By :
Atherosclerosis
Date :
Sep 13, 2018
