Change in common carotid artery diameter, distensibility and compliance insubjects with a recent history of impaired glucose tolerance: a 3-year follow-up study

Objective To assess the development of common carotid artery properties (di ameter, distensibility and compliance) in a cohort of 140 subjects (mean ag e 65.8 years, SD 7.5 years) originally diagnosed as impaired glucose tolera nt in a population-based study, and to explore determinants of changes obse rved. Design An observational, longitudinal study over a 9-year-period. Methods Vessel wall movement detector system based on ultrasonography, line ar generalized estimating equations, Results Carotid artery diameter rose from 6.87-7.02 mm (+2.2%, P < 0.001). Distensibility decreased from 11.8 to 10.9 x 10(-3) kPa(-1) (-8.3%, P = 0.0 09). Compliance decreased from 0.44-0.43 mm(2) kPa(-1) (P = 0.17). Changes in blood pressure level were negatively associated with changes in distensi bility and compliance. Baseline fasting glucose levels were positively asso ciated with changes in diameter, while fasting insulin revels were negative ly associated with changes in distensibility and compliance in men, but not in women. Conclusions in subjects with a recent history of impaired glucose tolerance , we observed an increase in carotid artery diameter and a decrease in dist ensibility. Change in blood pressure level and baseline fasting glucose and HbA(1c) levels were positively related to the increase in diameter. In men , but not in women, baseline fasting insulin levels were associated with an acceleration of these changes, J Hypertens 2000, 18:293-300 (C) Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.