In this study, pressure-strain Elastic modulus, stiffness, distensibility, cross-sectional compliance and Young modulus of the common carotid artery were evaluated in 30 subjects, normal and atherosclerosis, non-invasively. The diameter changes and cross-sectional changes in systolic and diastolic phases of the carotid artery were measured by real time B-mode sonography and color Doppler, respectively. Indirect blood pressure measurement was made by manometer immediately after measurement of the pulsatile vessel diameter and area. Elastic parameters were estimated from the diameter relative changes, cross-section relative changes and the systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the brachial artery. The relative diameter changes in mild stenosis and severe stenosis compared to normal group are not expected.
The results of evaluation of Elastic parameters show that in mild stenosis, pressure-strain Elastic modulus, stiffness and Young modulus decreased but in severe stenosis they increased relative to normal arteries. In mild stenosis, distensibility and cross-sectional compliance increased but in severe stenosis these parameters decreased relative to normal. Of course, mechanical parameters of atherosclerotic group are significantly different from the normal carotid artery. By applying this method, we can detect atherosclerosis from normal carotid artery (Iranian Heart Journal 2003; 4 (2,3): 68-74).