K. Hristova 1, L. Vladimirova 2, F. Nikolov 2, P. Nikolov 2, Tz. Katova 1
1 National Heart Hospital – Sofia,
2 Medical University – Sofia, Bulgaria

Objective: To study the relationship between carotid pathology and exercise stress-test in patients with new onset symptoms for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs).

Material and Methods: Exercise stress-test (EST) and echocardiography were performed in 503 patients (mean age 54±17 years) with symptoms for CVD in two cardiological centers. Based on EST the patients were classified in three groups - with positive, negative or questionable results. Color duplex sonography of both carotid arteries was performed in transverse and longitudinal planes and intima media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid (CCA) and internal carotid (ICA) arteries was measured. No modifiable (age and sex) and some modifiable (hypertension, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, dyslipidemia, carotid stenosis, obesity, hemorheological variables – leucocytes (Leuc) hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Ht), FR for CVD were evaluated. The pts with positive EST were on PTCA undergone and pts with questionable EST the decision for PTCA was taken after severity of carotid pathology and clinical exam.