Critical Carotid Artery Stenosis in Coronary and Non-Coronary Patients – Frequency of Risk Factors

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is one of the largest socio medical problems of modern times. In addition to the third leading cause of death, it is the first cause of non-trauma disability. Numerous studies show a correlation of risk factors and arteriosclerotic lesions in the coronary arteries and carotid arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Study was conducted at the Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Clinic for Cardiology surgery, methodologically cross-sectional study and partly manipulative and clinical prevention study, conducted on a representative sample of 100 patients. The subject was divided into 2 groups, coronary and non-coronary patients. Both groups of patients underwent color Doppler of carotid arteries, medical history and laboratory analysis. RESULTS: The results confirm the hypothesis that the critical carotid artery stenosis is more present in patients with coronary disease, while the association of risk factors has been demonstrated for diabetes, hypertension and dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: Screening of carotid arteries in patients scheduled for coronary revascularization is essential. With the presence of critical stenosis of the carotid artery, surgery of carotid artery should be done before coronary revascularization. The implementation of aggressive education and prevention of risk factors for cardiovascular disease is needed.