RESUMEN
OBJECTIVE: To study the structure and function of the carotid artery in the metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: 171 patients were divided into three groups: metabolic syndrome (MS), diabetes mellitus (DM), and essential hypertension (EH). Plasma lipids and ultrasonography for carotid artery were examined. RESULTS: Levels of TG, LDL, ApoB were significantly higher in MS as compared with those EH (P < 0.01, 0.05, 0.01). Levels of TG were higher in MS as compared with those in DM (P < 0.01). The carotid resistance index and the intima-media thickness (IMT) of common carotid artery were significantly higher in MS as compared with those in DM or EH (P < 0.05). The occurrence rate of carotid plaque and plaque index was higher in patients with MS than that in patients with EH or DM (P < 0.01, 0.01). CONCLUSION: Clustering of multiple cardiovascular risk factors can cause more severe atherosclerosis of carotid artery in MS.