Frequency of Carotid Artery Stenosis in Patients having SignificantCoronary Artery Disease on Coronary Angiography

Abstract

Objectives: To determine the frequency of carotid artery stenosis in patients having significant coronary artery disease on coronary Angiography. Materials and Methods:  Following approval from the ethical committee of LRH, Peshawar, 150 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. This study was conducted at department of cardiology LRH Peshawar from 23 Nov 2024 to 22 May 2025. Each patient underwent carotid artery ultrasonography using a tomographic ultrasound system with a 7.5 MHz linear transducer. Bilateral scanning of the extracranial carotid arteries was performed in three longitudinal views. Carotid artery stenosis was considered significant if there was ≥ 50% narrowing of the common carotid artery or its main branches, as determined by Doppler scan. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. All data were analyzed using SPSS version 26. Results: The mean age of participants was 51.11±8.18 years. Of the 150 patients, 66% were male and 34% were female. Carotid artery stenosis was found in 36% of cases. Most stenosis cases were in the 41–60 age range, but the association with age (p=0.14) and gender (p=0.62) was not statistically significant.  Conclusion: It was concluded that a notable frequency of carotid artery stenosis in patients with significant coronary artery disease was found, highlighting the coexistence of atherosclerosis in multiple vessels. Though not statistically significant, stenosis was more common in older patients and males. Routine screening in CAD patients, especially before interventions, may help prevent cerebrovascular complications and improve outcomes.

Keywords: Carotid Artery Stenosis, Coronary Artery Disease, Coronary Angiography