The epidemiology of subclavian stenosis and its association with markers of subclinical atherosclerosis: the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)

BACKGROUND: Recent studies indicate that subclavian stenosis (SS), diagnosed by a large systolic blood pressure difference (SBPD) between the right and left brachial arteries, is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and outcomes. We sought to describe the epidemiology of SS and determine its association with markers of subclinical CVD in the baseline cohort of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. METHODS: We defined SS by an absolute SBPD>or=15 mmHg. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) was defined by an ankle-brachial index100 vs. score=0; OR=1.43; 1.03-2.01). CONCLUSIONS: The subclavian stenosis is positively associated with other markers of subclinical atherosclerosis.