Plasma renin level and aldosterone to renin ratio are associated with presence of carotid plaques in patients with stable coronary artery disease

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to determine the association between plasma aldosterone and renin levels as well as their ratios with carotid plaques in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaque score were evaluated in 111 patients with stable CAD. Plasma renin and aldosterone levels were measured in all patients. Aldosterone to renin ratio (ARR) was calculated. All patients were categorized into: Group 1 (normal coronary angiography), Group 2 (patients had CAD but without carotid plaque) and Group 3 (patients had CAD and at least one carotid plaque). RESULTS: Renin levels are significantly higher in Group 3 than in Group 1 and 2. ARR was significantly lower in Group 3 than in Group 1 and 2. Renin levels were found to be positively correlated with carotid IMT and plaque score but ARR was inversely associated with carotid IMT and plaque score. Renin levels and ARR are independently associated with presence of carotid plaque in CAD patients (OR 1.124, CI 1.021-1.237, p = 0.017 and OR 0.906, CI 0.839-0.978, p = 0.011, adjusted for age, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Plasma renin and ARR but not aldosterone are independently associated with presence of carotid plaques in CAD patients. Hence, the linkage between aldosterone and renin plays a more important role than aldosterone alone in carotid atherosclerosis.