Does detection of carotid plaque affect physician behavior or motivate patients?

Impact of Cardiovascular Imaging Results on Medication Use and Adherence: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular imaging results offer valuable information that can guide health decisions, but their impact on medication use and adherence is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine the downstream impact of cardiovascular imaging results on medication use and adherence.

METHODS

Searches were conducted across databases, including MEDLINE, PsychINFO, EMBASE, and relevant references up to 2024. Data were extracted from studies comparing outcomes for individuals with diseased versus normal arteries and trials comparing outcomes for individuals who were provided imaging results versus those with no access to imaging results and analysed in 2023 and 2024. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) for outcomes were calculated.

RESULTS

The analysis included 29 studies with 24 contributing data points. Initiation (OR:2.77;95% CI:1.82-4.20) and continuation (OR:2.06;95% CI:1.28-3.30) of lipid-lowering medications (LLMs), antihypertensives (OR:2.02;95% CI:1.76-2.33), and antiplatelets (OR:2.47;95% CI:1.68-3.64) were significantly higher in individuals with diseased arteries. The proportion of individuals on LLM increased by 2.7-fold in those with diseased arteries and 1.5-fold in those with normal arteries post-screening. The proportion on LLM increased by 4.2 times in the imaging group and 2.2 times in the "no imaging group" post-screening. There was a significant increase in LLM initiation (OR:2.37;95% CI: 1.17-4.79) in the imaging group, but medication continuation did not significantly differ between the imaging and "no imaging group".

DISCUSSION

Cardiovascular imaging results can prompt initiation of medications, particularly lipid-lowering medications, reflecting a proactive response to identified risk factors. However, evidence regarding medication continuation is mixed, and further research is required.

Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease: The accuracy of measures to diagnose preclinical atherosclerosis

Different methods can be used to diagnose early pre-clinical stage atherosclerosis. The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficiency of these methods. Measures including carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), pulse wave velocity (PWV), and coronary calcium score (CCS) were evalutated for the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). We studied the clinical and biochemical profiles of individuals with non-CAD and CAD to assess measures of pre-clinical atherosclerosis. The association between CIMT, PWV and CCS on the one hand, and the coronary atherosclerosis on the other, was studied. In total, 150 cases of cardiovascular disease (CVD) participated in the present study and were subjected to computed tomographic (CT) coronary angiography to divide them into non-CAD (n=100) and CAD (n=50) groups. The patients were also subjected to pre-clinical atherosclerosis tests (CIMT, PWV and CCS). CAD patients had higher CIMT values on both sides (right side, 0.74±0.09 vs. 0.62±0.12 mm; left side, 0.78±0.16 vs. 0.64±0.19 mm; and average, 0.76±0.12 vs. 0.63±0.14 mm; all P-values <0.01). These patients also had significantly higher brachial-ankle PWV (baPWV) on left side (1638.8±372.9 vs. 1498.6±339.8 cm/sec, P<0.001). The overall CCS was significantly increased in CAD patients as compared to the patients without CAD (117.8±118.6 vs. 8.6±18.3, P<0.001). In conclusion, the present study showed that among different measures of preclinical atherosclerosis, CCS had the best diagnostic accuracy. However, the combination of CIMT and baPWV had an excellent negative predictive value for atherosclerotic coronary vascular disease.

A Study to derive distribution of carotid intima media thickness and to determine its COrrelation with cardiovascular Risk factors in asymptomatic nationwidE Indian population (SCORE-India)

BACKGROUND

There is presently no data to describe normal distribution of carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), an established measure of subclinical atherosclerosis, in Indian subjects.

METHODS

In this multi-centric study, 1229 subjects with age ≥30 years and no previous cardiovascular disease (CVD) underwent CVD risk factor assessment and CIMT measurement. Mean far wall common carotid artery IMT was measured on both sides and averaged.

RESULTS

Mean age of the subjects was 48.0±12.0 years and 54.2% were men. CIMT measurement was feasible in 1157 subjects. Mean, median and 75th percentile values of CIMT for different age-groups were derived for men and women separately. There was a progressive increase in CIMT with increasing age (P<0.001) and men had higher CIMT values than women (0.608±0.12mm vs. 0.579±0.11mm, P<0.001). The CIMT values were also higher in diabetics (0.635±0.10mm) and hypertensives (0.624±0.10mm) as compared to non-diabetics (0.589±0.12mm, P<0.001) and non-hypertensives (0.592±0.12, P 0.02) respectively. Among continuous variables, age, systolic blood pressure and fasting blood glucose had strong to modest correlation with CIMT (Pearson's r 0.524, 0.282 and 0.192 respectively, all P values <0.001), whereas body mass index, diastolic blood pressure and serum triglycerides exhibited weak but still statistically significant relationship (Pearson's r 0.069, P 0.019; Pearson's r 0.065, P 0.026; and Pearson's r 0.094, P 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to provide age- and gender-specific distribution of CIMT in Indian subjects free from CVD. This information should help facilitate further research and clinical work involving CIMT in India.

Primary Stroke Prevention: Medical Therapy Versus Revascularization

Asymptomatic carotid-artery atherosclerotic vascular disease identifies patients at heightened risk of major adverse cardiovascular events including ischemic stroke. Observational and registry analyses demonstrate that this risk extends beyond that attributable to carotid atherosclerosis itself and includes events manifesting in other vascular territories, such as myocardial infarction. However, randomized trials aimed specifically at treating carotid stenosis have shown benefit in terms of reducing ischemic stroke in appropriately selected patients. Therefore, the approach to primary prevention in patients with stable carotid disease must include a comprehensive strategy to reduce cerebrovascular-specific and overall cardiovascular risk through lifestyle changes and intensive medical therapies.

Impact of atherosclerosis detection by carotid ultrasound on physician behavior and risk-factor management in asymptomatic hypertensive subjects

BACKGROUND

There are limited data regarding the impact of atherosclerosis detection by carotid ultrasound (CUS) on physician prevention efforts and risk-factor management for cardiovascular disease.

HYPOTHESIS

Atherosclerosis detection by CUS in asymptomatic hypertensive patients would lead to physician prevention efforts, including target low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level and prescription. Also, it may improve risk-factor management.

METHODS

A total of 347 asymptomatic hypertensive subjects (age 61 ± 8 years, 189 men) were prospectively recruited from 22 hospitals. Prior to CUS, physicians were surveyed regarding target LDL-C level. After CUS, patients were classified into positive CUS (n = 182) and negative CUS (n = 165) groups based on CUS results. Physicians were resurveyed to assess whether the initial target LDL-C goals were changed. At 6 months, cardiovascular risk-factor modification status was reassessed.

RESULTS

The proportion of lowered target LDL-C levels was significantly larger in the positive CUS group than in the negative CUS group (52% vs 23%, P < 0.001). These results were observed even in subjects who had low and moderate risk according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines. Lipid-lowering agents were similarly added or switched to another class in both groups (7% in the positive CUS group vs 11% in the negative CUS group, P = 0.153). LDL-C was significantly decreased in the positive CUS group (Δ = -24 ± 38 mg/dL, P < 0.001), whereas it was not significantly decreased in the negative CUS group (Δ = -6 ± 31 mg/dL, P = 0.105).

CONCLUSIONS

Atherosclerosis detection by CUS lowered physicians' target LDL-C level and improved cardiovascular risk management in terms of LDL-C reduction.

Clinical utility of a novel coronary heart disease risk-assessment test to further classify intermediate-risk patients

BACKGROUND

Current coronary heart disease (CHD) risk assessments inadequately assess intermediate-risk patients, leaving many undertreated and vulnerable to heart attacks. A novel CHD risk-assessment (CHDRA) tool was developed for intermediate-risk stratification using biomarkers and established risk factors to significantly improve CHD risk discrimination.

HYPOTHESIS

Physicians will change their treatment plan in response to more information about a patient's CHD risk level provided by the CHDRA test.

METHODS

A Web-based survey of cardiology, internal medicine, family practice, and obstetrics/gynecology physicians (n = 206) was conducted to assess the CHDRA clinical impact. Each physician was shown 3 clinical vignettes representing community-based cohort participants randomly selected from 8 total vignettes. For each, the physicians assessed the individual's CHD risk and selected preferred therapies based on the individual's comorbidities, physical examination, and laboratory results. The individual's CHDRA score was then provided and the physicians were queried for changes to their initial treatment plans.

RESULTS

After obtaining the CHDRA result, 70% of the physician responses indicated a change to the patient's treatment plan. The revised lipid-management plans agreed more often (74.6% of the time) with the current Adult Treatment Panel III guidelines than did the original plans (57.6% of the time). Most physicians (71.3%) agreed with the statement that the CHDRA result provided information that would impact their current treatment decisions.

CONCLUSIONS

The CHDRA test provided additional information to which physicians responded by more often applying appropriate therapy and actions aligned with guidelines, thus demonstrating the clinical utility of the test.

Carotid intima–media thickness and the prediction of vascular events

Carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) has received interest as a predictor of cardiovascular events in recent years. Use of cIMT in a clinical setting is limited by the variability in measurement and the lack of evidence for its use in clinical risk prediction. This review examines the major studies that have assessed the relationship between cIMT and cardiovascular event risk and discusses the current role of IMT in cardiovascular risk prediction.

Atherosclerosis screening by noninvasive imaging for cardiovascular prevention: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Noninvasive imaging of atherosclerosis is being increasingly used in clinical practice, with some experts recommending to screen all healthy adults for atherosclerosis and some jurisdictions mandating insurance coverage for atherosclerosis screening. Data on the impact of such screening have not been systematically synthesized.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to assess whether atherosclerosis screening improves cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

This study is a systematic review.

DATA SOURCES

We searched MEDLINE and the Cochrane Clinical Trial Register without language restrictions.

STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

We included studies examining the impact of atherosclerosis screening with noninvasive imaging (e.g., carotid ultrasound, coronary calcification) on CVRF, cardiovascular events, or mortality in adults without cardiovascular disease.

RESULTS

We identified four randomized controlled trials (RCT, n=709) and eight non-randomized studies comparing participants with evidence of atherosclerosis on screening to those without (n=2,994). In RCTs, atherosclerosis screening did not improve CVRF, but smoking cessation rates increased (18% vs. 6%, p=0.03) in one RCT. Non-randomized studies found improvements in several intermediate outcomes, such as increased motivation to change lifestyle and increased perception of cardiovascular risk. However, such data were conflicting and limited by the lack of a randomized control group. No studies examined the impact of screening on cardiovascular events or mortality. Heterogeneity in screening methods and studied outcomes did not permit pooling of results.

CONCLUSION

Available evidence about atherosclerosis screening is limited, with mixed results on CVRF control, increased smoking cessation in one RCT, and no data on cardiovascular events. Such screening should be validated by large clinical trials before widespread use.

Effects of an office-based carotid ultrasound screening intervention

BACKGROUND

Carotid ultrasound screening (CUS) has been recommended for cardiovascular disease risk prediction, but its effectiveness in clinical practice is unknown. The purpose of this study was to prospectively determine the effects of office-based CUS on physician decision making and patient health-related behaviors.

METHODS

Physicians from five nonacademic, community practices recruited patients aged ≥40 years with ≥1 cardiovascular disease risk factor. Abnormal results on CUS (AbnlCUS) were defined as carotid intima-media thickness >75th percentile or carotid plaque presence. Subjects completed questionnaires before and immediately after CUS and then 30 days later to determine self-reported behavioral changes. Odds ratios (ORs) for changes in physician management and patient health-related behaviors were determined from multivariate hierarchical logistic regression models.

RESULTS

There were 355 subjects (mean age, 53.6 ± 7.9 years; mean number of risk factors, 2.3 ± 0.9; 58% women); 266 (74.9%) had AbnlCUS. The presence of AbnlCUS altered physicians' prescription of aspirin (P < .001) and cholesterol medications (P < .001). Immediately after CUS, subjects reported increased ability to change health-related behaviors (P = .002), regardless of their test results. Subjects with AbnlCUS reported increased cardiovascular disease risk perception (OR, 4.14; P < .001) and intentions to exercise (OR, 2.28; P = .008), make dietary changes (OR, 2.95; P < .001), and quit smoking (OR, 4.98; P = .022). After 30 days, 34% increased exercise frequency and 37% reported weight loss, but these changes were not predicted by the CUS results. AbnlCUS modestly predicted reduced dietary sodium (OR, 1.45; P = .002) and increased fiber (OR, 1.55; P = .022) intake.

CONCLUSIONS

Finding abnormal results on CUS had major effects on physician but not patient behaviors.

Accuracy of carotid plaque detection and intima-media thickness measurement with ultrasonography in routine clinical practice

BACKGROUND

Current guidelines in cardiovascular disease prevention advocate the use of carotid ultrasound measurements for risk stratification. Carotid abnormalities (plaques or increased intima-media thickness (IMT)) are associated with high risk of coronary and peripheral artery disease. An office-based measurement by clinicians would considerably broaden the clinical applicability of carotid ultrasound. In the present study we have assessed the accuracy of ultrasound detection of carotid plaques and intima-media thickness by trained internists in a routine outpatient setting.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Carotid ultrasound was performed in 112 vascular outpatients by internists, after a six-week training period. The internists' results were independently compared to the reference standard, consisting of carotid ultrasound performed in a specialized vascular laboratory. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for plaque detection and IMT determination. The mean time required to perform the scans on the outpatient department was 7.3 min (range 4.5 to 16.7 min). A high level of accuracy for detecting plaques (sensitivity 78.5%; specificity 93.6%) was achieved. Identifying abnormal IMT had lower sensitivity but adequate specificity of 46.7% and 87.6%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that clinicians can be trained well enough in six weeks to accurately and efficiently detect carotid plaques in an outpatient setting. IMT abnormalities were less accurately detected in the office-based approach and may require a specialized vascular laboratory.

Screening for subclinical coronary artery disease measuring carotid intima media thickness

Traditional coronary risk assessment is based on major cardiovascular risk factors using the Framingham risk score. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measured by ultrasonography is a noninvasive test used to assess for the presence of coronary atherosclerosis. CIMT has been shown to be an independent predictor of future cardiovascular events and is used in research trials as a surrogate for the presence as well as regression of coronary artery disease. The objectives of this report are to review the published reports on CIMT and to help establish the role of CIMT as a screening tool for coronary artery disease in selected patients. CIMT measurement can modify cardiovascular risk prediction in patients initially classified with the Framingham risk score, with reclassification into higher or lower risk categories. It is most useful for refining risk assessment in patients at intermediate risk. The Screening for Heart Attack Prevention and Education (SHAPE) Task Force recommends screening all asymptomatic middle-aged and older men and women using noninvasive imaging. The American Society of Echocardiography established a consensus on the methodologic aspects of CIMT measurement. Sequential scanning of CIMT to assess atherosclerosis is currently not recommended, because of interscan variability and small expected changes over time. In conclusion, in the primary prevention of coronary artery disease, CIMT measurement reclassifies patients into higher or lower risk categories, allowing early appropriate management.

Ultrasound detection of increased carotid intima-media thickness and carotid plaque in an office practice setting: does it affect physician behavior or patient motivation?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this multicenter study was to determine if identifying increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) or carotid plaque during office-based ultrasound screening examinations could alter physicians' treatment plans and patients' motivation regarding health-related behaviors.

METHODS

Carotid ultrasound studies were performed by a nonsonographer clinician using a handheld system. Changes in physicians' treatment plans and patients' motivation on the basis of scan results were analyzed using multivariate regression.

RESULTS

There were 253 subjects (mean age, 58.1 +/- 6.6 years). When increased CIMT or carotid plaque was detected, physicians were more likely to prescribe aspirin and lipid-lowering therapy (P < .001). Subjects were more likely to report increases in plans to take cholesterol-lowering medication (P = .002) and the perceived likelihood of having or developing heart disease (P = .004).

CONCLUSIONS

Findings from office-based carotid ultrasound studies can influence physicians' prescriptions of evidence-based interventions. Patients with abnormal ultrasound findings recognize their increased cardiovascular risk and plan to take cholesterol-lowering medication.