Influência da Aterosclerose Subclínica na Função Diastólica em Indivíduos sem Doença Cardiovascular Influence of Subclinical Atherosclerosis on Diastolic Function in Individuals Free of Cardiovascular Disease

Abstract Background: It is plausible that subclinical atherosclerosis alters coronary reserve and impairs diastolic function of the left ventricle. However, the relationship between subclinical stages of atherosclerosis and diastolic function has not been established in subjects free of cardiovascular disease. Objective: To test the hypothesis that subclinical atherosclerosis has a negative association with diastolic function. Methods: Individuals ≥ 35 years old, free of cardiovascular disease, with normal blood pressure and negative treadmill stress test, were selected to have common carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) assessed by ultrasound and parameters of diastolic function by echocardiography, primarily tissue Doppler E’/A’ ratio. Results: Forty-eight subjects were studied, aged 56 ± 10 years, 67% females. Composite common carotid IMT had a significant negative correlation with tissue Doppler E’/A’ ratio (r = - 0.437, p = 0.002). Individuals in the fourth quartile of IMT had a significant lower tissue Doppler E’/A’ ratio (0.76 ± 0.25), as compared with the first (1.2 ± 0.29), second (1.2 ± 0.36) and third quartiles (1.1 ± 0.25) - p = 0.002. Composite common carotid IMT in the fourth quartile (≥ 0.8 mm) independently predicted E’/A’ ratio (p = 0.02), after adjustment for potentially