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Fall 2005 |
ASSOCIATION OF ANXIETY DISORDER AND CAROTID ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Abstract
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: Anxiety is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The
present study aims to assess the extent of carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with and
without anxiety disorder.
METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, two groups of participants with and without anxiety
disorder (40 and 80 subjects, respectively) according to DSM-IV were selected from the
Psychiatry Clinic of Noor Hospital and Mental Health Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular
Research Center by simple sampling method. Evaluation of major risk factors was
performed after recording demographic characteristics. Zung questionnaire was used to
assess severity of anxiety. Carotid ultrasonography was performed in three portions of
carotid arteries, bilaterally, and Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) ≥8 mm was considered as
atherosclerosis. Statistical analysis included t-test, χ2 and logistic regression.
RESULTS: Mean age of participants with and without anxiety disorder was 49.07±12.08
and 48.68±11.02 years, respectively. Major atherosclerosis risk factors did not differ
significantly between the two groups. IMT values in all portions were significantly higher in
the anxiety group. The presence of anxiety was positively associated with the presence of
atherosclerosis in all branches, except for the left common carotid artery.
DISCUSSION: Anxiety increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hence measures must
be adopted to control anxiety with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to
reduce atherosclerosis.
ASSOCIATION OF ANXIETY DISORDER AND CAROTID
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
ARYA Journal, 2005, 1(3): 170-174
Keywords . Anxiety . Intima-Media thickness . Atherosclerosis
INTRODUCTION: Anxiety is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. The
present study aims to assess the extent of carotid artery atherosclerosis in patients with and
without anxiety disorder.
METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, two groups of participants with and without anxiety
disorder (40 and 80 subjects, respectively) according to DSM-IV were selected from the
Psychiatry Clinic of Noor Hospital and Mental Health Unit of Isfahan Cardiovascular
Research Center by simple sampling method. Evaluation of major risk factors was
performed after recording demographic characteristics. Zung questionnaire was used to
assess severity of anxiety. Carotid ultrasonography was performed in three portions of
carotid arteries, bilaterally, and Intima-Media Thickness (IMT) ≥8 mm was considered as
atherosclerosis. Statistical analysis included t-test, χ2 and logistic regression.
RESULTS: Mean age of participants with and without anxiety disorder was 49.07±12.08
and 48.68±11.02 years, respectively. Major atherosclerosis risk factors did not differ
significantly between the two groups. IMT values in all portions were significantly higher in
the anxiety group. The presence of anxiety was positively associated with the presence of
atherosclerosis in all branches, except for the left common carotid artery.
DISCUSSION: Anxiety increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hence measures must
be adopted to control anxiety with pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions to
reduce atherosclerosis.
ASSOCIATION OF ANXIETY DISORDER AND CAROTID
ATHEROSCLEROSIS
ARYA Journal, 2005, 1(3): 170-174
Keywords . Anxiety . Intima-Media thickness . Atherosclerosis
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