Indian heart journal
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Indian heart journal · Jan 2007
Serum levels of selenium, zinc and copper in patients with coronary artery ectasia.
It is well established that the deficiency of trace elements may lead to oxidative stress in many tissues. Several studies have shown that the deficiency of trace elements may play a role in the pathogenesis of various heart diseases, including coronary artery disease. This study was designed to determine the serum levels of trace elements, such as selenium, zinc, and copper, in patients with isolated coronary artery ectasia and to confirm previously documented changes in the trace element status in coronary artery disease. It also investigated the relationship between the level of trace elements and the extent of ectatic involvement in patients of coronary artery ectasia. ⋯ These results suggest that coronary artery ectasia is associated with the deficiency of the trace elements selenium and zinc. Thus, these elements may play an important role in the pathogenesis of coronary artery ectasia, as well as in coronary artery disease.
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Indian heart journal · Jan 2007
Association of carotid intima-media thickness with left main coronary artery disease.
Previous studies have shown that carotid intima-media thickness correlates well with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease. This study was conducted to determine whether it could reliably predict the presence of left main coronary artery disease. ⋯ There is a significant association between increased carotid intima-media thickness and the presence of left main coronary artery disease. The measurement of carotid intima-media thickness can be used with reasonably good sensitivity and specificity for the detection of left main coronary artery disease in patients who are undergoing evaluation for suspectedcoronary artery disease.