Aim: Hypertension is an important risk factor in the development of atherosclerosis . Our aim in this study was to determine the
relationship between mean platelet volume (MPV) which is a risk factor of atherosclerosis and intima media thickness (IMT) of
carotid artery and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD), markers of atherosclerosis, in patients with essential hypertension.
Materials-Methods: 50 adults, applying to Kirikkale University Medical Faculty department of internal medicine, (outpatient) clinics,
diagnosed as hypertensive for the first time Were included in the study. Their ages ranaed between 18 to 80 nd. We included 50
healthy participants to the study as control group.
Carotid Artery Doppler ultrasonography and flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) with the brachial artery ultrasonographic measurment
technique was performed by using Ecography (General Electric Vivid S5) and 12 L probe for each patient.
Results: In this study statistically significant relationship was found between IMT and age. In the hypertensive group, IMT of carotid
artery was found to be higher in comparison with the control group. However this result wasnt statistically significant. There were
no statistically significant difference in MPV, FMD or IMT hypertensive and control groups. Small number of the participants and
relatively younger mean age of the groups may lead to this result and can be considered as a limitation of this study.
Conclusion: Determining atherosclerosis earlier in patients with essential hypertension may provide development of new treatment
modalities. In order to conclude more confidentIy extended studies with larger patient groups are needed.
Key words: Flow-Mediated Dilatation; Endothelial Dysfunction; Essential Hypertension; Carotid Artery Intima-Media Thickness;
Mean Platelet Volume.
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