Antithrombotic treatment is associated with intraplaque haemorrhage in the atherosclerotic carotid artery: a cross-sectional analysis of The Rotterdam Study.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

Antithrombotic treatment plays a key role in stroke prevention, but their direct effects on the composition of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques are unknown. To investigate the association of antithrombotic treatment with carotid artery plaque composition, with a specific focus on an intraplaque haemorrhage (IPH).

Methods and results

From the population-based Rotterdam Study, 1740 participants with carotid atherosclerosis on ultrasound (mean age 72.9 years, 46.0 women) underwent magnetic resonance imaging of the carotid arteries to assess plaque composition. Information on the use of oral anticoagulants [vitamin K antagonists (VKA)] and antiplatelet agents (salicylates), including duration of use and dosage, was obtained from pharmacy records for all participants.

SUBMITTER: Mujaj B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6148524 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature