Predictors of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Women With Spinal Cord Injury

Top Spinal Cord Inj Rehabil, 2014 · DOI: 13.1310/sci2002-90 · Published: April 1, 2014

Spinal Cord Injury Cardiovascular Science

Simple Explanation

Chronic spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with an increase in risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In the general population, atherosclerosis in women occurs later than in men and usually presents differently. To determine which risk factors for CVD are associated with increased carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), a common indicator of atherosclerosis, in women with SCI. Participants were asymptomatic and without evidence of CVD. Exclusion criteria were acute illness, overt heart disease, diabetes, and treatment with cardiac drugs, lipid-lowering medication, or antidiabetic agents.

Study Duration

2 years

Participants

122 females with traumatic SCI

Evidence Level

Not specified

Key Findings

1
Several variables were significantly correlated with CIMT during univariate analyses, including glucose, hemoglobin A1c, age, and race/ethnicity; but only age was significant in the hierarchical regression analysis.
2
Our data indicate the importance of CVD in women with SCI.
3
subclinical atherosclerosis, as measured by CIMT, in women with SCI is positively correlated with age.

Research Summary

The secondary conditions of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease (CVD) resulting from spinal cord injury (SCI ) are not well understood. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) is the most robust, highly tested, and often used noninvasive endpoint for assessing the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in men and women of all ages. Our study shows that subclinical atherosclerosis, as measured by CIMT, in women with SCI is positively correlated with age.

Practical Implications

Clinical Importance

Accelerated atherosclerosis in older asymptomatic women with SCI constitutes a clinically important condition.

Further Research

The significance of emerging cardiovascular risk factors in women with SCI warrants further attention.

Longitudinal Studies

Long-term longitudinal studies support the conclusion about the clinical importance of accelerated atherosclerosis in women with SCI.

Study Limitations

1
use of a convenience sample.
2
Participants were living in Southern California and may have different cardiovascular health profiles compared to women with SCI in other regions.
3
the results may not apply to women with SCI who are more reluctant to participate or who are isolated from the community

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