Correlation between Atherosclerotic Plaques in Aorta and Morbid Pathology of Heart

Introduction: Coronary heart disease is now the major killer of humans all over the world. Many studies have shown positive correlation between atherosclerosis of aorta and coronary artery disease. Objectives: Coronary heart disease is now the major killer of humans all over the world. Many studies have shown positive correlation between atherosclerosis of aorta and coronary artery disease. This study tries to analyse correlation between presence of atherosclerotic plaques in aorta and morbid pathology of heart. Methods: It is a Descriptive, Observational, Cross sectional study, carried out on 406 cases from the autopsies done in RG Kar Medical College Police Morgue selected by Purposive Random Sampling from 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2015. All autopsy cases were included except grossly mutilated or decomposed bodies. Result: Out of 406 cases, 156(38%) cases showed atherosclerotic plaques in aorta. Weight of heart was significantly more in cases with atheromatous plaques in aorta. Cases with grade II or III atheromatous plaques in aorta showed higher weight of heart and thicker left ventricular wall. Conclusions: Presence of atherosclerotic plaques in aorta shows positive correlation with increased heart weight and thicker left ventricular wall. However more thorough multidisciplinary research is needed for better understanding of the role atherosclerosis plays in coronary heart disease.