Introduction
Methods
Study design, patient selection, and data acquisition
Echocardiography
Statistical analysis
Results
Baseline characteristics
Patient characteristics | Total | Mild to no atheromatosis of the aorta | > Mild atheromatosis of the aorta | P value |
---|---|---|---|---|
Number of patients, n (%) | 2054 | 1190 (58) | 864 (42) | |
Age, median years (Q1–Q3) | 65 (52–73) | 57 (46–67) | 72 (65–77) | < 0.001 |
Male sex, n (%) | 1199 (58) | 680 (57) | 519 (60) | 0.155 |
Cardiovascular risk factors | ||||
Arterial hypertension, n (%) | 1281 (62) | 609 (51) | 672 (78) | < 0.001 |
Diabetes mellitus, n (%) | 301 (15) | 108 (9) | 193 (22) | < 0.001 |
Hyperlipidemia, n (%) | 838 (41) | 413 (35) | 425 (49) | < 0.001 |
Smoking, n (%) | 633 (31) | 321 (27) | 312 (36) | < 0.001 |
Medication | ||||
Anticoagulation, n (%) | 787 (38) | 422 (36) | 365 (42) | 0.003 |
Antiplatelet therapy, n (%) | 820 (40) | 400 (34) | 420 (49) | < 0.001 |
ACE inhibitor, n (%) | 1024 (50) | 480 (40) | 544 (63) | < 0.001 |
Beta blocker, n (%) | 1024 (50) | 502 (42) | 522 (60) | < 0.001 |
Diuretics, n (%) | 789 (38) | 330 (28) | 459 (53) | < 0.001 |
Echocardiographic findings
Echocardiographic data | Total | Survived 4 year FU | Did not survive 4 year FU | P value |
---|---|---|---|---|
Number of patients, n (%) | 2054 | 1711 (83) | 343 (17) | |
Plaque thoracic aorta, n (%) | 864 (42) | 634 (37) | 230 (67) | 0.002 |
Plaque AscAo, n (%) | 268 (13) | 189 (11) | 79 (23) | < 0.001 |
Plaque AoArch, n (%) | 654 (32) | 485 (28) | 169 (49) | < 0.001 |
Plaque DesAo, n (%) | 462 (23) | 318 (19) | 144 (42) | < 0.001 |
Aortic stenosis ≥ mild, n (%) | 342 (17) | 225 (13) | 117 (34) | < 0.001 |
MAC, n (%) | 188 (9) | 142 (8) | 46 (13) | < 0.001 |
Prediction of long-term mortality
Variable | HR | 95% CI | P value |
---|---|---|---|
Plaque in the AscAo | 1.36 | 1.01–1.83 | 0.046 |
Plaque in the AoArch | 1.78 | 1.29–2.45 | < 0.001 |
Plaque in the DescAo | 2.01 | 1.54–2.77 | < 0.001 |
Plaque in any part of the thoracic aorta | 1.84 | 1.42–2.4 | < 0.001 |
Plaque in all parts of the thoracic aorta | 0.83 | 0.76–1.25 | 0.829 |